India’s swimmers are diving into action at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships in Ahmedabad. Starting Sunday, 40 talented athletes—20 men and 20 women—will represent the country at the brand-new Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura. These swimmers have trained hard right there for the past month, building up for this high-stakes showdown against top Asian competitors.
The event draws over 1,100 swimmers, coaches, and officials from 29 countries, making it a blockbuster in the Asian Aquatics calendar. It also doubles as a key qualifier for next year’s Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, so every race counts.
Leading the charge for India are Olympic veterans Sajan Prakash and Srihari Nataraj. On the women’s side, Dhinidhi Desinghu and Bhavya Sachdeva stand out as strong medal contenders. Head coach Nihar Ameen feels pumped about the team’s prep in the fast, top-notch pool at the complex. "Our swimmers trained together here, and this facility is incredible," Ameen said. "I’m confident they’ll shine."
Ameen predicts at least three or four medals for India, despite China usually dominating these meets. He spotlighted Sajan in the 200m butterfly, Srihari in the 100m and 200m backstroke, and Rohit B. Benedicton in the 200m freestyle as prime picks for podium finishes. For the women, Dhinidhi, Bhavya, Nina Venkatesh, and Soubrity Mondal are hitting fast times, and the relay teams look ready to impress. "Expect some thrilling races," Ameen added.
The championships cover more than just swimming. Water polo features 10 men’s teams and eight women’s squads battling for Asian Games spots. Diving pulls in 16 countries, artistic swimming has 10 nations competing, and swimming events include athletes from 21 countries.
The opening ceremony kicks off at 5 p.m. Sunday, with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as the chief guest. He’ll join other big names like Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat’s Minister of Home, Youth & Sports; Farid Fattahian from Asia Aquatics; and leaders from the Swimming Federation of India.
Swimming fans in Gujarat and across India can catch the action live for free at the Veer Savarkar Stadium. Just head to www.11thaac2025.com to grab your ticket QR code. Tune in on Doordarshan for TV coverage or stream it on the Asian Aquatics YouTube channel.
Here’s the full Indian swimming squad:
Men: S. Dhanush, Shoan Ganguly, Jashua Thomas, Aneesh Gowda, Rohit B. Benedicton, Advait Page, Sajan Prakash, Bikram Changmai, Heer Gitesh Shah, M.S. Yadesh Babu, Vidith S. Shankar, Kushagra Rawat, Jananjoy Jyoti Hazarika, Akash Mani, Nithik Nathella, Manikantha L, Vinayak V, Likith S.P, Rishabh Anupam Das, Srihari Nataraj.
Women: Thanya S, Shristi Upadhaya, Vihitha Nayana, Nina Venkatesh, Manavi Varma, Vritti Agarwal, Roshini B, Dhinidhi Desinghu, Bhavya Sachdeva, Astha Chodhury, Shreenithi Natesan, Naisha, Aditi Satish Hegde, Saanvi Deshwal, Sanjana Prabhugaonkar, Rujula S, Soubrity Mondal, M. Rithvika, Avantika Chavan, Harshitha Jayaram.
Get excited—India’s ready to make waves at the Asian Aquatics Championships 2025!
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