KATHMANDU: Shanti Education Initiative Nepal appointed record-holder swimming sensation Gaurika Singh as its goodwill ambassador here today.

Singh set six national records in the 20th National Open and Age-group Swimming Championship that concluded on Monday. SEIN Chairperson Rabindra Maharjan said they were working towards rebuilding schools damaged by the devastating earthquake that struck the country on April 25. “We are planning to construct 90 schools in five districts — Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Dolakha, Lalitpur and Kathmandu,” he added.

Singh was excited with the appointment as the goodwill ambassador. She donated Rs 30,000 — the amount she received for breaking the national records — to the SEIN to help in their bid to reconstruct the damaged schools. “My parents will also give same amount of money to the SEIN,” said Singh.

President of Nepal Swimming Association Ashok Bajracharya said Singh was selected for the 16th FINA World Championship slated from July 25 to August 8 in Russia. “Singh and Kiran Karki have qualified for the championship based on their performace in the 20th National Open,” said Bajracharya.

“The championship in Russia is qualifier for 2016 Rio Olympic Games and we hope the players will work hard to earn tickets for the world stage,” he added. Sirish Gurung and Sophia Shah were already selected and have been training in Bangkok. Meanwhile, Bajracharya informed FINA was providing NSA with $25,000 to install heating system. “We are planning to construct a new swimming pool with heating system and the fund will be helpful to complete the project,” he added.