Swimming Statistical Bulletin 44th Edition 2024

The 44th edition of the V.K. Pahuja Annual Swimming Statistical Bulletin was unveiled today at the India International Center, Annex. The release was officiated by Air Commodore (Dr) Ashminder Singh Bahal, a decorated ex-IAF officer.

The event saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Col. R.S. Bhanwala, Arjuna Awardee in Rowing, and Bhanu Sachdeva, Arjuna Awardee in Swimming.

The first copy of the bulletin was presented to Mr. P.D. Dutta, India’s senior-most diving official.

Honoring Coaches and Swimmers
The event also celebrated the contributions of the SAI-Glenmark Academy at the SPM Swimming Pool in Delhi. Head Coach Partha Pratim Majumder, Assistant Coach Mr. Nitin, and six top swimmers from various states were honored. These swimmers included Aryan Vernakar, Lucky Ali, Raunak, Suvranshini Priyadarshani, Dhriti Aherwal, and Titiksha Rawat, who are currently training at the academy.

Exclusive Interviews
The bulletin features exclusive interviews with prominent Indian aquatic sports figures:

Swimmers: Aditya Jitendera Desai
Water Polo Player: Bhagesh Jagdish Kuthe
Triathletes: Laikhuram Bijenkumar Singh and Telheiba Soram
Ironman Athletes: Saikhom Bishworjit Singh and Laikhuram Biten Singh

Additionally, the bulletin includes insights from leading Indian coaches Mr. Neelkanth Tukaramakhade and Prasanta Karmakar.

Guest Speeches
Air Commodore (Dr) Ashminder Singh Bahal highlighted the importance of character building through sports and praised swimming for its health benefits. Former Vice President of the Swimming Federation of India, Shri Balraj Sharma, reminisced about V.K. Pahuja’s dedication to the sport and the anticipation surrounding each new edition of the bulletin.

The current Vice President of the Swimming Federation of India, Mr. Rajkumar, along with Col. R.S. Bhanwala and Bhanu Sachdeva, spoke about the bulletin’s significance in helping swimmers and coaches set and achieve their goals.

Tribute to V.K. Pahuja
Mr. Rakesh Thapliyal, representing the sports journalism community, shared memories of V.K. Pahuja’s dedication to promoting swimming through media outreach. He noted how Pahuja’s efforts ensured the sport received the attention it deserved.

For V.K. Pahuja’s children – Mr. Priyank Pahuja, Dr. Supriya Pahuja, and Dr. Meenakshi Pahuja – the bulletin represents a labor of love, passion, commitment, and service to the sport.