In the heart of Ahmedabad, at the state-of-the-art Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, India scripted a new chapter in its aquatic sports history during the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships held from September 28 to October 11, 2025.
This marked the first time the nation hosted this prestigious continental event, drawing over 1,100 athletes from 29 countries across disciplines including swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo. For Indian swimming, the championships were nothing short of transformative, culminating in a record-breaking haul of 13 medals four silver and nine bronze surpassing all previous performances at the Asian level.
This achievement not only ended a 16-year medal drought in continental swimming but also positioned India as an emerging force in Asian aquatics, finishing ninth overall in the medal tally behind powerhouses like China and Japan.
The Historic Hosting: A Milestone for Indian Aquatics
India’s decision to host the championships was a bold step forward, supported by the Swimming Federation of India, Asia Aquatics, and the Gujarat Sports Authority. The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, an Olympic-standard facility, featured world-class pools and diving platforms, earning praise for its infrastructure. Over two weeks, the event showcased intense competition, with swimming events dominating the early schedule from September 28 to October 1, followed by diving, artistic swimming, and water polo.
For India, hosting symbolized growth in a sport long overshadowed by cricket and other disciplines. The championships provided a platform for domestic talent to shine against Asia’s best, including dominant teams from China, who topped the swimming medal table with multiple golds. The event also highlighted India’s investment in sports infrastructure.
India’s Medal Haul: A Comprehensive Breakdown
India’s 12 swimming medals (four silver, eight bronze) and one diving bronze represented a quantum leap. The campaign kicked off spectacularly on Day 1, with Srihari Nataraj ending the 16-year drought by clinching silver in the men’s 200m freestyle (1:48.47) and another in the 50m backstroke. Day 2 brought more glory, including a historic bronze in men’s 10m synchronized diving the first for India in continental diving.
Key highlights included:
- Srihari Nataraj: Men’s 200m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke.
- Rohit Benedicton: Men’s 50m Butterfly.
- Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay (Aneesh S Gowda, Sajan Prakash, Shoan Ganguly, Srihari Nataraj).
- Kushagra Rawat: Men’s 1500m Freestyle.
- Bhavya Sachdeva: Men’s 400m Freestyle.
- Sajan Prakash: Men’s 200m Butterfly.
- Srihari Nataraj: Men’s 100m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle.
- Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay.
- Rishabh Das : Men’s 200m Backstroke
- Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay
- Men’s 10m Synchronised Platform.
Bhavya Sachdeva’s bronze in the 400m freestyle stood out as a groundbreaking achievement, marking the first podium finish for an Indian woman at the Asian Aquatics Championships.
Starting from lane three, she surged through the field to touch the wall at 4:26.89, edging out challengers behind Japan’s Tanimoto Haruno (gold, 4:16.39) and Vietnam’s Kha Nhi Nguyen (silver, 4:25.50).
Young sensation Dhinidhi Desinghu, at just 14, set a personal best in the women’s 100m freestyle heats (58.46), qualifying for the final where she finished eighth— a commendable effort against Asia’s elite. Her performance in the 200m freestyle was equally inspiring, clocking 2:07.68 for seventh place.
Full Medal Tally Breakdown
Athlete/Team | Event | Medal | Time/Notes |
Srihari Nataraj | Men’s 200m Freestyle | Silver | 1:48.47 |
Srihari Nataraj | Men’s 50m Backstroke | Silver | 25.46
|
Rohit Benedicton | Men’s 50m Butterfly | Silver | 23.89
|
Aneesh S Gowda, Shoan Ganguly, Sajan Prakash, Srihari Nataraj | Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay | Silver | 7:23.38(New National Record)
|
Kushagra Rawat | Men’s 1500m Freestyle | Bronze | 15:30.88 |
Rishabh Das | Men’s 200m Backstroke | Bronze | 2:02.64 |
Srihari Nataraj | Men’s 100m Freestyle | Bronze | 49.96 |
Sajan Prakash | Men’s 200m Butterfly | Bronze | 1:57.90 |
Srihari Nataraj | Men’s 100m Backstroke | Bronze | 55.23 |
Team (not specified) | Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay | Bronze | 3:40.87 |
Thomas Durai, Akash Mani, Rohit Benedicton, Srihari Nataraj | Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay | Bronze | 3:21.49 |
Bhavya Sachdeva | Women’s 400m Freestyle | Bronze | 4:26.89 |
Records Shattered: Benchmarks for the Future
The championships saw two confirmed national records: the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay (7:23.38) and Rohit Benedicton’s 50m butterfly (23.89). On the women’s side, Dhinidhi Desinghuset a new national record in the 200m freestyle, while Rujula Shashidhara bettered her own 50m freestyle mark.
Several personal bests, like those from Harshitha Jayaram and Aditi Satish Hegde, further indicate progress. These feats, achieved under pressure, reflect improved training and team synergy.Head coach Nihar Ameen had predicted 3-4 medals pre-event, but the team exceeded expectations.
Star Performers: Profiles of India’s Aquatic Heroes
At the forefront was two-time Olympian Srihari Nataraj, who amassed seven medals (three silver, four bronze), including four individual ones. The 24-year-old from Bengaluru, known for his freestyle and backstroke prowess, expressed mixed emotions after missing gold in the 50m backstroke.
His performances, close to his national records, underscore his role as India’s swimming spearhead.
Veteran Sajan Prakash, another Olympian, contributed with a bronze in the 200m butterfly and relay efforts, bringing experience to the squad. Emerging stars like Kushagra Rawat (distance specialist) and Rohit Benedicton (sprint butterfly) added depth, with Benedicton’s national record highlighting sprint potential. Other notables included Aneesh S Gowda, Shoan Ganguly, and Bhavya Sachdeva, who all played pivotal roles in relays and individual events.
Bhavya’s historic bronze in the women’s 400m freestyle was a game-changer, inspiring a new generation of female swimmers and proving that Indian women are ready to make their mark on the international stage.
How Big Is This Performance? A Turning Point for Indian Swimming
This was monumental a “best-ever finish” that shattered expectations and placed India ahead of several regional rivals. Compared to past editions, where India often returned empty-handed, the 13 medals represent a 100% improvement. On a scale of 1-10, it’s a resounding 7: a clear sign of progress in a sport where Asia is dominated by China (who swept golds) and Japan. The haul has boosted domestic interest, with potential for grassroots development.
However, the absence of gold medals underscores remaining gaps in elite training and international exposure. Still, ending the drought and hosting flawlessly elevates India’s global aquatic profile.
Can India Look Forward to Medals at the 2026 Asian Games?
Absolutely, with tempered optimism. The 2026 Asian Games (AG) in Nagoya will feature stiffer competition, but India’s performances align with medal potential. Selection criteria require matching or bettering the sixth-place time from the 2023 Hangzhou AG, and athletes like Srihari (whose times are close) and the relay team are on track. Experts predict 1-2 medals in swimming, focusing on freestyle, backstroke, and relays.
Challenges include bridging the gap with top nations, but with continued investment, the AG could see India claim its first swimming golds since the 1980s.
Despite the highs, issues like a flag controversy in water polo and limited women’s success highlight areas for improvement. Sustained funding and international camps are essential. Inconclusion, the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships 2025 was a watershed moment for Indian swimming a blend of historic hosting, record medals, and promising talents.
As the nation looks to the 2026 AG and beyond, this performance sets the stage for deeper dives into excellence, proving that with the right support, India can make lasting waves on the global stage.
