SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
“Spectacular Feats in Hangzhou’s Pool Arena”
In a spellbinding performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games, 32-year-old Virdhawal Khade left spectators in awe, conquering the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly events with a stunning 5th and 7th place finish in his respective heats. This achievement follows his historic Asian Games bronze in the 50m butterfly event in 2010, and a heart-wrenchingly close miss in the men’s 50m freestyle final in 2018.
Khade’s journey from a wide-eyed rookie in 2006 to an Indian swimming icon is a testament to his unwavering dedication. “In 2006, the thought of enduring in this sport for so long was beyond my imagination,” he shared, radiating with pride.
After a brief hiatus in 2012 due to his Maharashtra government job and election-related duties, Khade faced the uphill task of juggling work commitments with rigorous training. “Between 2012 and 2018, there were only two years of substantial training, and that was six years ago. In the realm of competitive swimming, this makes an astronomical difference,” he emphasized.
Undaunted by the challenges, Khade channeled his focus towards the 50m events, investing his heart and soul into every stroke. While a medal would have been a crowning achievement, he discovered solace in personal growth. “The year 2018 was a whirlwind. I achieved personal bests in the 50m freestyle and butterfly. I even clocked exceptional times in the 100m freestyle. The absence of a medal toughened me, sculpting me into a more resilient and refined athlete,” he affirmed.
During the throes of the COVID-19 lockdown, Khade toyed with the idea of self-coaching, only to realize its daunting nature. Eventually, he sought the guidance of his trusted confidant, Manikumar in Mumbai, who meticulously tailored workouts to Khade’s unique requirements.
Khade hailed the quantum leaps witnessed in Indian swimming, particularly among male athletes, where records continue to tumble. He underscored the urgency in nurturing female talent, warmly embracing the surge of more women in future Asian Games teams. The future brims with promise, and Khade stands as an illuminating figure of inspiration for budding swimmers nationwide.
