TO ENCOURAGE swimmers not only from Maharashtra but all over India to take to open water swimming, JD Sports Foundation has come out with city’s maiden Archana Duble Memorial National Open Water Swimming Competition that will be held in Ambazari Lake on May 8 and 9.

“The competition will start from Ambazari garden side and there will be six age categories (13 to 65 years) for male and female in 500m, 1km, 5km and 10km distance events with a cut-off timing for every event. On opening day, 500m and 1km events will start at 6.30 am while on the second and concluding day, 5km and 10km events will be held. First three finishers in each category will be given trophies while all those who complete in the event in the cut-off time will be awarded finisher’s medal. There will be no cash prizes. Tow float will be compulsory for all participants,” informed Dr Jaiprakash Duble, Chief Organiser and Former Joint Director, Sports Department, Government of Maharashtra, while interacting with the media on Wednesday.

“The main intention is promoting open water swimming. Apart from it, we want to spread consciousness about water safety and drowning prevention through this competition,” Duble added.

The city has produced many swimmers who all have come from the swimming pool from the region but no competition has ever been held in open waters.

“This is first of its type competition in Nagpur city will not only encourage the swimmers from Maharashtra but all over India as they get an opportunity to showcase their talent. During the COVID lockdown when the swimming pools were closed, some swimmers regularly used to practise in Ambazari Lake. For conducting a national-level event in the city, we found Ambazari Lake to be perfect venue,” said Jayant Duble, who is international open water swimmer and technical head for this competition.

In recent years, endurance sports is gaining ground in the country as well as in the city. Many players are training for swimming, running and cycling simultaneously.

“Swimmers and athletes preparing for triathlon and Ironman will also be participating in the competition. We are expecting about 70 swimmers to take part in the event,” said Dr Sambhaji Bhonsale, Chief Referee of the event.

Detailed information regarding the application form and competition is available at http://nationalinstituteofswimming.com.

Sports Department of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), State Irrigation Department, Directorate of Tourism, National Institute of Swimming and Nagpur District Amateur Aquatic Association are supporting the maiden competition.