At the 2025 World University Games, India’s leading swimmer Srihari Nataraj delivered a string of remarkable performances that underline both his consistency and his hunger to rewrite Indian swimming history.
Over four events, the Olympian not only made it to the semifinals thrice but also broke three National Records, including shattering a 17-year-old mark held by the celebrated Virdhawal Khade.
A strong start in 50m Backstroke
Srihari opened his campaign in the 50m Backstroke heats, clocking 25.59 seconds, which comfortably placed him 10th overall out of all swimmers and booked his berth among the top 16 semifinalists. Though slightly behind his own National Record of 25.18s, it was enough to keep him firmly in contention.
In the semifinals later that evening, swimming in lane 2, Srihari improved his timing to 25.39 seconds. Despite the faster swim, it placed him 6th in his semifinal heat and 11th overall, narrowly missing out on a place in the finals. It was a tight field where just 0.04 seconds separated him from a potential final appearance PIO an agonisingly close margin that reflects the fiercely competitive nature of world-level sprint backstroke events.
Historic swim in 100m Freestyle
While the 50m Backstroke semifinal was still fresh, Srihari returned to the pool for the 100m Freestyle heats. Here, he produced one of the most memorable moments of his career: clocking 49.46 seconds, which not only qualified him for the semifinals (12th position) but also broke the 17-year-old National Record of 49.47s set by Virdhawal Khade at the 2008 Commonwealth Games.
Breaking such a long-standing record, especially at a major international meet, was a clear sign of Srihari’s determination to push Indian swimming to new heights. The swim was not just about entering the semifinals it was symbolic of generational progress in Indian swimming.
In the semifinals that evening, swimming from lane 7, Srihari clocked 49.56 seconds, finishing 7th in his heat and 15th overall among 16 semifinalists, missing out on a place in the finals. Yet, given the pressure and fatigue from back-to-back events, maintaining a sub-50 second timing in consecutive swims showcased his quality.
More records and consistency
Beyond the 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, Srihari’s campaign included other highlights:
- He also holds 200m Freestyle National Record.
- Over four races in total, he ended up breaking three National Records, underscoring how this World University Games became one of the most productive meets of his career.
With these performances, Srihari Nataraj now holds four current National Records:
100m Freestyle
200m Freestyle
50m Backstroke
100m Backstroke
So close, yet so far: what it means for Indian swimming
For any swimmer, qualifying for multiple semifinals at a global meet like the World University Games is an achievement in itself. That Srihari could do so across both freestyle and backstroke events speaks volumes about his versatility and endurance.
More impressively, in sprint events like the 50m Backstroke, where the difference between finalists and semifinal exits is sometimes a mere blink, Srihari was literally hundredths of a second away from the final.
His performance also serves as an inspiration for Indian swimming. Breaking a 17-year-old National Record, competing shoulder to shoulder with some of the best university-level swimmers worldwide, and consistently making the last 16 reflect how Indian swimmers are closing the gap with the global elite.
What’s next
With the World University Games drawing to a close, attention will turn to upcoming events on the international calendar. Srihari’s form bodes well for the bigger meets ahead, including the Asian Swimming Championships and potentially, the 2027 World Aquatics Championships and beyond.
His ability to break long-standing records shows not only his personal growth but also the gradual rise of Indian swimming on the global stage. Importantly, Srihari has shown he can deliver when it matters most a trait that will be invaluable as India looks to win its first-ever swimming medals at the highest levels.
While the story of Srihari Nataraj at the 2025 World University Games might read as “so close yet so far,” it is, in fact, a celebration of new milestones. From a near-final appearance in the 50m Backstroke to rewriting the history books in the 100m Freestyle, Srihari has reminded us why he remains India’s top swimmer.
And for Indian swimming fans, the journey feels like it’s only just getting started.
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