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Srihari Nataraj & B. Benediction Rohit Set New Swimming Benchmarks at World University Games.

Sports | Dated: 19 Jul 2025

At the 2025 FISU World University Games in Berlin (17–23 July 2025), Indian swimmers Srihari Nataraj and Benediction Rohit set impressive new national benchmarks. Nataraj etched his name by posting India’s best-ever times in both the 100m freestyle (49.46s) and the 200m freestyle (1:48.11).

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - In a stellar performance, Srihari Nataraj clocked 49.46 seconds in the men's 100m freestyle heats—shaving off 0.01 seconds from Virdhawal Khade’s 2008 record of 49.47 seconds—thereby establishing India’s fastest time ever in the event.
  • - Building on his earlier success, Nataraj bettered his own national best in the 200m freestyle semis with a time of 1:48.11 seconds, improving from his heats time of 1:48.22 seconds, reflecting remarkable consistency and growth.
  • - His impressive swims—12th position in 100m—secured semifinal berths in both races. Though narrowly missing finals, these results also helped Nataraj achieve B-qualification standards for the upcoming World Aquatics Championships.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Earlier in the competition, B. Benediction Rohit also delivered a standout performance by establishing a national best in the 50m butterfly, securing 13th place overall and emulating Nataraj’s record-setting prowess.
  • (ii) These back-to-back benchmark performances underscore India’s growing presence in global swimming. Srihari Nataraj now holds four national records, spanning the sprint and longer freestyle distances, marking a renaissance in the sport.
  • (iii) Born in 2001 in Bengaluru, Srihari is a two-time Olympian—Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024—coached by Nihar Ameen. His dominance at the 38th National Games and now at the Universiade point to a rising star in international swimming.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which Indian swimmer broke a 17-year-old national record in the 100m freestyle event?

Correct Answer: Srihari Nataraj

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