Khade sets realistic targets for Olympics

BY Manuja Veerappa

Bengaluru

July 30: From the sleepy town of Kolhapur to the venue where the mother of all sporting events is set to take place, Virdhaval Khade’s journey has been backed by hard work, sacrifice and determination. The drive to excel brought him from Kolhapur to Bengaluru two summers ago. In 2006 he moved base to train at the K.C. Reddy Swim Centre under coach Nihar Ameen.

This 16-year-old will go to Beijing on August 3 as the youngest swimmer from India to participate in the Olympics.

With just over a week to go for the quadrennial event, Khade has set himself realistic targets.

"In the 50m freestyle event my aim is to enter the semifinals, but yes, entering the final is a dream I want to realise in Beijing. I know a medal is not a possibility this year. I have set sights on a medal at the 2012 London Olympics," said Khade who will compete in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle events.

Along with the qualifying mark came the media attention and the hype, not seen in a long time for non-cricket sportspersons.

"It feels good to soak in the attention, but that does not distract me. I know what I want to do."

On the difference between Indian and foreign swimmers Khade, who is just back from Florida after a one-month training programme said, "The basic difference is the facilities available here. The other is the support system. When I travel abroad my coach Nihar has to also play the role of a manager and a physio too. On the other hand swimmers from other countries have a good team of support staff."

On the journey to Beijing, Khade said, "I have realised one part of my dream by qualifying for the Olympics. This is only the beginning."

Back home in Kolhapur there has been celebrations aplenty after he became the first person from the town to qualify for the Olympics.

"I feel very proud my son today. I always had big sporting dreams which I could not realise, but now I see my son living my dreams for me," said an emotional Vikram Khade.

Expressing satisfaction with Khade’s performance, Nihar said, "His progress has been amazing. He has improved in every meet. He did well at the World Championships in Mexico as well."