Ahmedabad, Oct 2 (NationPress) Michael Bohl, a renowned Australian swimming coach with more than 33 years of experience, who led China to victory at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship 2025, expressed his views on the potential of Indian swimmers. He emphasized that while India has some outstanding swimmers, the country needs to cultivate many more to elevate its standing in the sport.

China's impressive medal tally of 49 (38 gold, 8 silver, and 3 bronze) at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex set a high benchmark. In contrast, India achieved a remarkable milestone, securing 13 medals (4 silver and 9 bronze) and finishing ninth overall—an indication of the growing talent in Indian aquatics.

Bohl, who has coached athletes to Olympic success from 2008 to 2021, has mentored celebrated champions like five-time Olympic gold medallist Emma McKeon and three-time champion Stephanie Rice.

“We entered the meet unsure of what to expect, especially since the last event was in 2016, where China claimed 18 gold medals. Our goal was to exceed that, and we are thrilled to have done so,” remarked the recipient of the Australian Sports Medal and the Medal of the Order of Australia.

India is just beginning to establish its presence in swimming with the rise of young talents such as Srihari Nataraj, Rishab Das, Kushagra Rawat, Rohit B Benedicton, Sajan Prakash, and Bhavya Sachdeva, who all earned individual medals. Furthermore, Indiver Sairem and Willson Sing Ningthoujam made history by winning India’s inaugural medal in diving.

“I believe India has performed remarkably well. There have been standout athletes, especially among the males. A female swimmer also medaled in the 400 freestyle on Wednesday night. Achieving podium finishes at an Asian-level meet is a significant accomplishment for the nation,” Bohl noted.

Srihari Nataraj led the Indian team with a total of seven medals (3 individual, 4 relay). The team included promising youngsters like Vritti Agarwal, Dhinidhi Desinghu, Saanvi Deshwal, Advait Page, Nithik Nathella, and Jashua Thomas Durai, who demonstrated great potential at this Asian meet.

“India has some exceptional swimmers; however, more need to emerge. Given the country’s large population, similar to China, as coaching improves and more swimmers excel, it will create a competitive environment that benefits the top athletes,” Bohl commented.

“When we look at leading countries like the USA and Australia, success is not just about one or two swimmers. A strong foundation of talent helps foster competition among the best. As India develops more depth in its swimming talent, we can anticipate even greater achievements. There have certainly been remarkable performances from India at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship 2025,” he concluded.