The swimming events at the Khelo India University Games, KIUG 2025 opened with a display of depth, consistency and emerging talent, with Jain University stamping their authority across multiple finals on an action-packed day in Jaipur.
From long-distance endurance battles to high-speed sprints and tactical medley performances, the day showcased the rapid rise of university-level swimmers who are beginning to shape India’s broader competitive landscape.
Women’s Events: Bhavya Sachdeva Leads Jain University’s Charge
The women’s program began with the 400m freestyle, a test of rhythm and stamina, where Bhavya Sachdeva of Jain University delivered a controlled and confident swim to claim gold in 4:38.93. Bhavya’s pacing was the decisive factor; she built a steady early lead and held off her teammate Ashmitha Chandra, who pushed hard over the final 100 metres but settled for silver with 4:42.16. The bronze went to Pratyasa Ray of Utkal University, who clocked 4:52.47, rounding off a podium that reflected both tactical racing and aerobic strength.
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In the 200m breaststroke, the battle for gold went down to fine margins. Yashvi Kharat of HSNC University touched first in 2:49.75, edging out Vasupalli Naga Greeshmini of Jain University who claimed silver in 2:50.01 a difference of just 0.26 seconds. Divyanka Pradhan of KIIT secured bronze with 2:50.23, marking one of the closest sets of finishes in the day’s finals.
The momentum swung back to Utkal University in the 100m backstroke, where Pratyasa Ray rebounded from her earlier bronze to storm to gold in 1:08.14. Her controlled underwater phases and smooth stroke tempo secured a comfortable lead over Naisha Shetty of Bengaluru City University, who took silver in 1:08.90. Jain University added another medal to their tally through Shrungi Bandekar, who earned bronze with 1:09.54.
Speed took centerstage in the women’s 50m freestyle, where sprint specialist Nina Venkatesh of Jain University delivered a commanding performance to win gold in 27.69. Yogya Singh of Lovely Professional University finished second with 28.20, while Nilbjaa Ghosh of KIIT grabbed bronze with 28.27, completing a podium separated by just 0.58 seconds.
The final women’s event of the day the 4x200m freestyle relay saw Jain University once again assert their dominance, clinching gold in 9:33.23. Their consistency across all four legs proved too strong for Chandigarh University who won silver in 9:39.12, while KIIT secured bronze with 9:51.32.
Men’s Events: Srihari Natraj Steals the Show
The men’s events featured a mix of established names and rising performers, with Srihari Natraj delivering a masterclass that reaffirmed Jain University’s supremacy in the pool.
The day began with the 400m freestyle, where Aneesh S Gowda of Christ University took gold in 4:10.27, showcasing controlled speed and endurance. Shivank Vishwanath of VTU swam strongly for silver in 4:15.09, while Dhyan Balakrishna of Jain University added a valuable bronze with 4:20.79.
In the 200m Individual Medley, Shoan Ganguly of Jain University continued his ascent, winning gold in 2:12.19. He held off a determined challenge from silver medallist Shivank Vishwanath his second podium of the day who clocked 2:14.92. Vraj Patel of Gujarat University completed the top three with 2:15.83.
The 200m breaststroke belonged to Jain University’s Manikanta L, who dominated the field to strike gold in 2:24.87, ahead of Deepak Patil of Mumbai University who recorded 2:28.86 for silver. Keshav Kaushik of Panjab University claimed bronze in 2:29.55, after holding off a tight challenge in the final 50 metres.
In the 100m backstroke, Srihari Natraj delivered his first statement swim of the day clocking 58.25 to strike gold. His strong underwater kickouts and consistent stroke tempo made him untouchable in the field. Dhyaan M of Reva University took silver in 59.70, while Xavier D’Souza of Jain University secured bronze with 1:00.87.
Srihari followed it with another commanding performance in the 50m freestyle, winning gold in 23.79. Sahil Pawar of SPPU touched in 24.35 for silver, while Xavier D’Souza added another bronze with 24.71, underlining Jain University’s depth in sprint events.
To close the men’s competition, Jain University once again ruled the relays, taking gold in the 4x200m freestyle with 8:08.49. University of Madras claimed silver in 8:12.94, while Panjab University rounded off the podium with 8:21.95.
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With multiple individual golds, several podium sweeps, and victories in both men’s and women’s relays, Jain University emerged as the standout performers of the opening-day swimming programme. The blend of established stars like Srihari Natraj and talented newcomers underlined both depth and long-term promise.
The opening day made one thing clear: swimming will continue to be one of Jain University’s strongest pillars as they chase the overall title at KIUG 2025.
