MUMBAI’S Durven Naik, Nandini Holkar from Ahmednagar and Nagpur’s Dr Rajshree Jain secured first position in their respective categories in the Archana Duble Memorial National Open Water Swimming Competition that got under way in Ambazari Lake on Sunday. The event is being organised by JD Sports Foundation.

On opening day of the two-day event, 13 to 50 years old men and women participated and competed for 500 metres and 1 kilometre distances.

In the 1km distance for 17 to 35 age group, Naik secured first position while Nagpur’s Harshal Ambagade and Shantanu Thakre finished second and third positions respectively.

In Under-12 age group, Nandini Holkar from Ahmednagar and Manva Pabale from Amravati hogged limelight.

In senior citizens group, Dr Jain secured first position in women’s category and Ramachandran Pathak got first position in men’s group.

At the outset, competition was inaugurated by Sunil Kedar, Sports Minister, Government of Maharashtra. Successful swimmers were awarded medals and certificates by Kedar.

While addressing the gathering, Kedar said that water sports and long distance swimming competitions will be promoted by Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra. He congratulated JD Sports Foundation for organising first National Open Water Swimming Competition in Nagpur.

Anees Ahmed, Prashant Sawai, Uchake, Shekhar Patil, Pallavi Dhatrak, Sharda Naidu, Girish Pandav, Dr Vijay Datarkar, Kiran Mahale, Chief Organiser Dr Jaiprakash Duble, Dr Sambhaji Bhonsale, Pradeep Keche, Vijay Munishwar, Vati and others were prominently present. All the guests were welcomed by Jayant Duble. Dr Dhakulkar proposed a vote of thanks.