It is a proud moment not only for the Orange City but also for Maharashtra and India that visually impaired swimming member of Aqua Sports Club Kanchanmala Pande (Deshmukh) got the world rankings in different events in S-11 Women categories. The World Para Swimming has recently released its official world rankings of para swimmers for 2024. As per the rankings, Kanchanmala has been ranked first in 50m backstroke, 3rd in 50m breaststroke and 7th in 100m breastroke. Whereas she is ranked Number 1 at the Asian Level in 50m, 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle. The ranking was released immediately after the World Para Swimming Series 2024 held at Lignano, Italy from March 10-18, 2024. At the same time, Kanchanmala brought laurels to the city by winning three golds at the National Para-Swimming Championship held at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The competition was organised by Paralympic Committee of India.

 

Representing Maharashtra, Kanchanmala won golds in 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke. Kanchanmala extended her thanks to HAS officials and VIPL for providing swimming facilities and their kind support for sportspersons. Working in RBI as a Class-I Officer, Kanchanmala is training under the able guidance of Senior Coach Dr Pravin Lamkhade (NSNIS, Patiala) and ASCA Level – 5 coach Vishal Chandurkar. Aqua Sports Club President Mohan Nahatkar, Secretary Mangesh Gadre, Director of Midland Sports Prashant Ugemuge, Vice-President (Operations) Midland Sports Preeti Lanjekar, Manager (Operations) Midland Sports Ashwin Janbandhu, Kanchanmala’s husband Vinod Deshmukh, parents of Aqua Sports Club swimmers and sports lovers from all corners of the city congratulated Kanchanmala for her achievement.