Rajkot to host sub-junior National Aquatic Championship

Terming the event as a big occasion for the city, Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) commissioner Ajay Bhadu said the four-day event would be inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on July 1.

"The competition will have 40 events in which 32 would be individual while eight would be rally," Bhadu said, adding that 450 participants from the age group of nine to 12 and 200 participants in 12-17 years of age are expected to take part in the competition.

The event is being organised jointly by Swimming Federation of India (SFI), Gujarat State Aquatic Association (GSAA) and Rajkot District Swimming Association (RDSA).

Bhadu, who is also chairman of the organising committee of the event, said, "Former Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat, who is now president of SFI, and Union Minister Dinsha Patel (president of GSAA) would also remain present at the inaugural session."

"The competition would be held for the first time in Rajkot while after a span of 25 years Gujarat has been given an opportunity to host the event," Umesh Rajyaguru, president of RDSA said.

"The competition's aim is to promote and encourage swimming talent of Rajkot and surrounding areas," Rajyaguru added.