Hyderabad swimmer Vritti set for her maiden Asian Games appearance

Hyderabad: Promising swimmer Vritti Agarwal is gearing up to compete at the ongoing Asian Games being held in Hangzhou, China. She has become the first-ever swimmer from the Telugu-speaking states — Telangana and Andhra Pradesh — to make the cut at the continental showpiece event.

This momentous accomplishment comes as a result of her impressive performance in the 76th Senior National Aquatic Championship where she clinched three medals — one silver (800m freestyle) and two bronze medals (400m and 1500m freestyle). She also finished fourth in the 4x200 metres freestyle event which earned her the Asiad spot.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle ahead of the tournament from Hangzhou, Vritti began her conversation by saying ‘Ni Hao’ (hello in Chinese) before adding, “It is one of the most important milestones of my journey. Being part of the Asian Games squad is a mixed feelings. I am excited, proud and happy with a sense of responsibility as I am representing India on such a big platform.”

The 16-year-old from Hyderabad will compete in the 4x200 metres Freestyle Relay and 800m Freestyle. “My first event — 4x200m freestyle relay — is scheduled on September 28. I will also participate in the 800m Freestyle individual race on September 29,” said the 12th standard student of Commerce in Obul Reddy School.

Asked about her preparations Vritti said: “We had a month-long camp at the Dravid-Padukone Academy in Bengaluru, where we had a schedule for swimming drills, massage and gym. I got the opportunity to train with the best Indian swimmers, under the best of coaches. I am sure this training will help improve my timings. Crossing my fingers for the upcoming races.”

“After the camp, we started on September 16 and reached Chongqing in China for three days for acclimatisation. Now, we are at the Hangzhou sports village. We are being taken care of here with a lot of support available all the time. My fellow swimmers are really supportive and motivating. I am so grateful to the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) for making such wonderful arrangements,” she added.

Vritti is currently competing in the junior category with a year left to enter the senior section. She believes participating as a teenager at the Asian Games will be a big boost to her career. “The Asian Games have come at right time of my career. I am sure they’re going to boost my confidence and make me more focused on achieving my ultimate goal. My ultimate goal is the same which every Indian sportsperson dreams of... holding the country’s flag with the national anthem playing in the background at the Olympics. It’s a journey where now onwards each and every step will count,” said Vritti, who trains under coach John Siddiqui at the Zion Sports Academy in Hyderabad.

“Senior players in the squad are very approachable and we can always reach out to them whenever any of us face difficulties. We are making sure not to commit mistakes. We have prepared well and will definitely give our best. I just wish that we make it to the podium and return with smiles,” Vritti concluded.