Olympian Sandeep Sejwal inaugurates swimming pool at Gaikwad-Patil International School

NAGPUR: Olympic swimmer

Sandeep Sejwal

lauded government's efforts in organizing sports events like Khelo India Youth Games and predicted a bright future for

swimming

in India.


"Swimming in India is growing slowly and steadily. It needs a major boost and champion performers at the international arena before it reaches somewhere near to cricket. Government's role is very important in developing this game. I think Khelo India is the right step and will certainly produce champions in various games in the years to come," said Sejwal.

The Olympian was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the 25-metre long swimming pool 'Splash' at the

Gaikwad-Patil International School

premises, Wardha Road, on Saturday.

After representing the country in Olympics, Asian Games, World Championships and other major international swimming events in the last 12-13 years, Sejwal has recently said goodbye to sports he loved the most. After hanging his boots, he has now decided to venture into coaching and nurturing raw talent in Mumbai.

"After the Senior National Swimming Championship few months ago, I decided to quit. I thought it was right time to leave the sport. It was not the decision taken in a hurry. It was a well-thought decision despite qualifying for the next World Championship. Now I want to give back to sport which has given me everything. I will try to produce future champions for the country," said Sejwal, who is a national record holder in 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events.

The 30-year-old has shifted his base to Mumbai now and signed a five-year coaching contract with the Otters Club, Bandra. He said he wants to set up a professional swimming academy in his native place Delhi after this contract ends.

"Ultimately my dream is to set up a swimming academy at my home town Delhi. It will take some time but I am seriously working on it in the next few years. India needs several coaching academies and it will be my sincere effort to spot and groom the young swimming talent in the nation," said six-foot tall Sejwal.

Sejwal, who is married to former national-level city swimmer turned actress Pooja Banerjee, has no regrets and quite satisfied with his achievements in swimming.

Chairman of Gaikwad-Patil International School Mohan Gaikwad, school principal

Shabih Chaurasia

and others were present on the occasion.