For nearly a decade, Srihari Nataraj has been the face of Indian backstroke swimming.
A two-time Olympian, he has built his reputation on consistency in the 100m and 200m backstroke, carrying Indian hopes across multiple international platforms. But as the Asian Aquatic Championship 2025 approaches, Nataraj is preparing to script a new chapter this time in freestyle.
The championship, set to run from September 28 to October 11 at the newly constructed Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, is the first major continental meet to be hosted in India in recent years. Among the names to watch, Nataraj stands out, not just for his pedigree but also for his decision to pivot toward a stroke that could open fresh possibilities for Indian swimming.
At 24, Nataraj is still in his athletic prime. Known for his elegant backstroke technique and calm race execution, he surprised many earlier this year when he announced a shift of focus.
“Backstroke has always been my main event,” he explained. “But this year I’ve been focusing more on freestyle, particularly the 100 and 200 metres. I realised that even without specific training, my freestyle times kept improving year after year. That gave us the confidence to prioritise it this season and see where it can take me.”
The gamble has already paid dividends. At the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games, Nataraj set new Best Indian Times in both the 100m and 200m freestyle. His 49.46 seconds in the 100m edged past Virdhawal Khade’s 17-year-old mark of 49.47, while his 1:48.11 in the 200m reinforced his growing command over the discipline. Both timings came in semi-final finishes, yet they carried the weight of a breakthrough moment for Indian swimming.
The run-up to the Asian Aquatic Championship has been unlike anything Nataraj has experienced before. For the past month, he has been part of the national camp in Ahmedabad, training at the championship venue.
“I’ve been here for the past month, and it’s been going really well,” he said. “We’ve had time to get used to the pool, the blocks, the water conditions, and I think all of us are looking forward to putting in strong performances.”
The chance to train extensively in the competition venue is rare in international swimming, and for the Indian squad, it has provided both confidence and familiarity. But Nataraj remains cautious about overplaying the “home advantage” narrative. “Personally, I’m okay with wherever I swim,” he remarked. “Some of my best races have come in pools I had never swum in before, like in Germany earlier this year. So while we’ve had a month to train here and know this pool better than anyone else, at the end of the day a pool is a pool, and all we need is a lane.”
A Long-Awaited Continental Stage
The upcoming championship carries personal significance for Nataraj. “I missed my first Asian Aquatic Championships back in 2016,” he recalled. “So it’s great that I get the chance at this point in my career. The facilities here are brilliant, and after training here for a month, I can say it’s going to be a fantastic meet. Everyone’s been preparing well, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can all achieve.”
For Indian swimming, the meet also marks an opportunity to showcase progress on home soil. The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, built to international standards, is expected to host some of Asia’s finest talent. For Nataraj and his teammates, competing against continental heavyweights in front of a home crowd could provide a unique blend of pressure and motivation.
While the immediate focus is on the championship, Nataraj’s calendar is already packed with milestones. “After this, I’ll be competing at the Khelo India University Games in Jaipur in November, and then the focus shifts to next year’s Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. My performances here should help towards qualification,” he said. These back-to-back assignments reflect the intensity of an athlete still hungry to push limits. If his freestyle experiment continues to succeed, it could broaden India’s medal prospects in regional and global meets, while also diversifying Nataraj’s own portfolio.
Nataraj’s shift to freestyle isn’t just a personal decision; it also highlights the evolution of Indian swimming. Historically, the country has relied on a handful of specialists in specific strokes. By stepping into freestyle, Nataraj is entering the most competitive swimming discipline one where Asia has produced world-class benchmarks. His presence in the field itself signals India’s growing ambition to compete, not just participate, at the highest levels.
At the Asian Aquatic Championship 2025, every turn and every finish will matter. For Nataraj, however, the event represents more than timings or placings. It is a chance to validate a bold choice, inspire the next wave of Indian swimmers, and prove that reinvention is possible even at the peak of one’s career. As the countdown begins in Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on the double Olympian. Whether in backstroke or freestyle, Srihari Nataraj has long carried the hopes of Indian swimming. Now, with the lanes set and the stage at home, he is ready to chase glory once again this time, in freestyle.
