Back in Mumbai, Khade eyes international glory again

Olympian Virdhawal Khade is having a second dash at his international career from Mumbai after the Beijing Games participant missed a few crucial years due work stress and later posting in Sindhudurg in Konkan region. The 26-year-old was elated to get news of his posting as a tehsildar in Mumbai on Friday and joined the office on Monday. He will be based in Andheri and continue his practice at Khar Gymkhana.

“I was posted in Sindhudurg, were there were not proper facilities to practice to match international standards. There was hardly any proper swimming pool. Also the workload kept me occupied. On Friday I got the order of my posting in Mumbai and my request got fulfilled. I already joined (work) on Monday. I thank Maharashtra government and all who helped me to come back to Mumbai,” he said.

Khade was posted in Mumbai earlier also, but due to elections he was precoocupied with work and got minimal time for practice. However, he still used to find some time and train at Khar Gymkhana.

Going into Sindhudurg he put on weight and couldn’t pursue swimming but he is now back to Khar Gymkhana and will resume rigorous training soon. “I have reduced 20 kilos due to hard practice and diet maintenance. I didn’t enter the pool for over six months as I was overweight (105kg). Now I am fit and participated in the nationals in Bhopal. I am looking forward to play international events now. I have to balance work and training,” he said.

The Kolhapur swimmer participated last in the 2015 World Championships and now he is eyeing international qualification tournaments in Januray and Februray for a berth in next year’s Commonwealth and Asian Games. “Of course, I want to play in the Olympics again. But that is three years away. I am eyeing a medal at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and working hard for it,” said the lanky swimmer who won a bronze in the 50m Butterfly at the 2010 Asian Games held in China.

Khade, who was named as the brand ambassador for the sixth edition of Swimmathon slated to be held at Colva Beach in South Goa on December 3, felt the state has talent in abundance.

“We have talent in the state but players here participate from other states or Railways. This should stop as soon as possible,” he opined.

He has been associated with Swimmathon since last year as brand ambassador and felt it was a good platform to showcase talent.

“Swimmathon is a good platform for swimmers in India. I hope India finds the next big thing in swimming through Swimmathon,” he said.

Swimmathon will act as the national selection trial for the Fina World Championships in 5km and 10 km races for men and women. There are also 2.5km and 1km races for amateurs.