Swimmer Mondal qualifies for Youth Olympics

Indian swimmer Supriya Mondal qualified for the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics by winning the gold at the first Dubai International Aquatic Championships.

The 17-year-old won the top prize in the 200m butterfly clocking 2:03.93 to achieve the A qualification mark. This was one of three medals won by Mondal in Dubai. He had earlier won a 100m butterfly silver, timing 56.45. He followed it up with a 50m butterfly gold in 25.67 Tuesday, achieving the B qualification mark in both the events.

Mondal hails from Shahpur in West Bengal but trains here under coach Nihar Ameen.

Delighted by the success of his young ward, Ameen said: "I am extremely proud of his achievement. Accomplishing this feat is a testament to his sincerity and hard work. In the next few months we will focus solely on the Youth Olympics and train towards performing exceptionally well at Nanjing in August."

Mondal said: "Qualifying for the Youth Olympics is a dream come true for me. I am thankful to my family, coach and others who have supported my dream. I hope to make them all proud at the Youth Olympics in August and beyond."