Olympic swimmer Sandeep Sejwal has appreciated the central government for conducting the events like Khelo India. He was speaking to journalists after inaugurating the 25-metre long swimming pool ‘Splash’ at the Gaikwad-Patil International School premises, Wardha Road, on Saturday.
He said “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,”
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.
When asked about future plans he said “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 former swimmer.
Chairman of Gaikwad-Patil International School Mohan Gaikwad, School Principal Shabih Chaurasia and others were prominently present occasion.
