Swimming couple Viradhawal Khade and Rujuta Khade train at Sama Indoor facility in Vadodara

International swimmer couple Viradhawal Khade and Rujuta Khade thanked the Vadodara local administration for providing them indoor facility at Sama for their swimming practice. Both of them are staying in Vadodra to practice for the upcoming senior nationals schedule to be held in next two months. The couple turned to the city as Mumbai is yet to allow facilities to open for sportspersons like them.

Viradhawal competed in the men's 50, 100, and 200 meters Freestyle swimming events at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, setting an Indian national record in 100 meters Freestyle. He failed to qualify for the semifinals in his events despite winning his qualification heat. Khade won a bronze medal in the 50 meters butterfly event at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou and it was India's first Asian Games medal in swimming in 24 years. He was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2011 by the Government of India.

Rujuta competed and won medals in sub junior, junior and senior categories and now practicing for the senior nationals going to be held after nearly a two years gap due to Corona.

"For the last four months in this year it's been nothing as part of fitness and practice as pools are closed in Maharashtra. I took a break for two years in 2017 and again start practicing in 2019. Earlier I am doing 200 butterfly earlier and switch to 50 meters freestyle from 2019. Shutting of swimming pools and gyms lead to loss of stamina and weakness in technique. It's crucial time for me as senior nationals is approaching and everyday is important for me get back in shape and improve technique to compete, " Said Rujuta Bhatt Khade.

Viradhawal Khade is also trying his best to spend final phase of his career with flying colors before turned into coaching. He thanked the Vadodara administration for providing them the best of facility to practice before the nationals and also looking forward for a association with the Gujarat government.

"I never know about such a great facility in Vadodara or else we could have reached here last year and get ready for the Olympics. We suffer due to closing down of swimming pools in Maharashtra as I have put on weight and low in stamina. This is probably my final phase of swimming career before probably switch to coaching and looking forward for some association with the Gujarat government, " Said Viradhawal Khade.

Both the swimmers are toiling hard inside the indoor swimming pool facility at Sama Indoor complex to get back in shape and regain their stamina before the senior nationals going to next in next two months. Both thanked the federation for organising the event.

"Last two years was bad for every swimmers in terms of fitness and others. There was no revenue generation and big loss to the players. I thanked the federation to organise the senior nationals which motivate the players and gives them hope. I personally thank the Vadodara administration and Gujarat government to provide us the facility to practice for the competition, " Said the Khade couple.