Indian diving scripted a new chapter of history on a landmark evening at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships, as Sairem and Wilson Singh Ningthoujam delivered a stunning performance to win bronze in the men’s synchronized 10m platform.
Their total score of 300.66 points secured India’s first-ever medal in diving at the Asian level, a breakthrough moment for a sport that has long battled for recognition in the country.
The event, staged at the sparkling Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, witnessed a fierce battle between established Asian powerhouses and emerging nations. China’s Cui and Xu dominated the final with a commanding 381.75 points to take gold, while Malaysia’s experienced pair of Lises and Harold claimed silver with 329.73. Yet it was the Indian duo’s poise and execution under pressure that drew the loudest cheers from the home crowd.
The Dives That Made History
Competing against seasoned opponents, Sairem and Wilson produced a consistent six-dive series that showcased both technical skill and nerves of steel. Their sequence and scores were as follows:
- 201B (Back Dive Pike) – 39.60
- *5231D (Back 1½ Somersault with ½ Twist Free) – 39.60
- 405B (Inward 2½ Somersault Pike) – 54.60
- 407C (Inward 3½ Somersault Tuck) – 52.80
- 107B (Forward 3½ Somersault Pike) – 60.30
- 305C (Reverse 2½ Somersault Tuck) – 53.76
The highlight came during their fifth dive, the 107B, where they executed a forward 3½ somersault pike with near-flawless synchronization to score 60.30, their highest of the evening. It was this clutch performance that propelled them firmly into medal contention, edging out strong pairs from Japan and South Korea.
A Watershed for Indian Diving
While Indian swimmers like Srihari Nataraj and Sajan Prakash have become familiar names in Asian finals, diving has remained a niche discipline, with limited infrastructure and few opportunities for international exposure. India’s previous best results at continental events were respectable top-eight finishes, but a podium spot had remained elusive until now.
The significance of this bronze extends beyond the medal tally at the Asian Aquatics Championships. It serves as a beacon for young Indian athletes who may now view diving as a viable competitive sport. The performance also strengthens India’s case for increased investment in diving facilities and high-performance coaching ahead of the 2026 Asian Games and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The home crowd, which roared with every clean entry, understood the gravity of the achievement. As Sairem and Wilson waved the Indian flag during their victory lap, the applause carried a message: India’s aquatics story is no longer confined to swimming lanes.
With their synchronized artistry and steely execution, Sairem and Wilson Singh Ningthoujam have plunged Indian diving into a bold new era, turning what was once a distant dream into a shining reality.
