Kathmandu, August 16

Young swimming sensation of the country, Gaurika Singh was very much clear about her role in the 18th Asian Games slated for August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia.

Olympian swimmer Singh has been preparing for the regional meet, the second biggest after Olympics for Nepali athletes, and she was well aware that it was not the place to go for medals. Singh, who lives with her parents in London, came to Kathmandu around two weeks ago and underwent training at different places.

“Hopefully I will be able to break national records in the Asian Games,” said Singh, who will compete in 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle events. “I will gel up with my friends, have fun with them and gain experience for the South Asian Games,” added Singh, who stole the limelight during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games by becoming the youngest athlete.

The 16-year-old swimmer, who is affiliated with Tribhuvan Army Club, chose to stay back in the country while her teammates are undergoing training in Phuket, Thailand.

“The experience of the Asiad will be helpful for the South Asian Games and I hope to win gold medal for the country and make the nation proud,” said Singh, who won four medals — one silver and three bronze — in the 12th SA Games in Guwahati in 2015. The 13th edition of the SA Games is scheduled for March 2019 in Kathmandu.

Singh, who recently changed her school to manage time for swimming apart from her studies, was looking forward for the new training schedule to be prepared by her coach in London. “The new season will begin in September and I will focus on my training so that I can do well in Asian Games,” said Singh.

Her parents, Paras Singh and Garima Rana, were concerned about the events to be included in the SA Games. “We want her to win gold medal for the country and make the nation proud,” said her father. “We know Gaurika can do well in long distance and we want her to focus on the events she is good at. If we get to know the events to be included in the SA Games on time, we can plan her training schedules accordingly so that she can excel in the pool,” added Singh, who has accompanied his daughter to Indonesia.

Schedules

Aug 20:.................Gaurika Singh (100m FR), Tisa Shakya (100m FR)

Aug 21:.................Sirish Gurung (50m FR)

Aug 22:.................Gaurika Singh (200m FR), Shuvam Shrestha (100m BR)

Aug 23:.................Tisa Shakya (50m BR), Sirish Gurung (100m FR)

Aug 24:.................Gaurika Singh (50m FR), Tisa Shakya (50m FR), Shuvam Shrestha (50m BR)

Coach

Ongden Lama

Team Manager

Rajendra Shrestha