Young Swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu and Srihari Nataraj Represent India at Paris 2024 Olympics

India’s swimming campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics saw an early end as both Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu did not progress past the heats in their respective events.

Dhinidhi Desinghu’s Performance

Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest member of India’s team at just 14 years old, showcased her talent by clocking 2:06.96 to top Heat 1 in the women’s 200m freestyle. Despite her impressive performance, she finished 23rd out of 30 swimmers across four heats and did not advance to the next round. This marked her debut appearance at the Olympics, setting the stage for a bright future in international swimming.

Srihari Nataraj’s Performance

Srihari Nataraj competed in the men’s 100m backstroke, clocking 55.01 to finish second in Heat 2. However, his time placed him 33rd overall in a field of 46 swimmers. This was Nataraj’s second Olympic appearance, following his participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

High Level of Competition

The top 16 swimmers from the heats progressed to the semi-finals. Despite not advancing, both Nataraj and Desinghu’s participation underscores the high level of competition at the Olympics. Their efforts reflect the dedication and competitive spirit of Indian swimmers on the global stage.

Future of Indian Swimming

While the results were not as hoped for the Indian swimming team, the participation of young athletes like Desinghu and seasoned competitors like Nataraj offers a glimpse into the future of Indian swimming. Both swimmers have shown great potential and determination, qualities that will serve them well in future competitions.

The Paris 2024 Olympics continues to be a learning ground for Indian athletes, providing invaluable experience and exposure to the highest level of sports. As Desinghu and Nataraj return home, they carry with them the lessons learnt and the motivation to train harder for the next opportunity to compete on the world stage.