Aryan Nehra created history at the National Aquatics Championships on Saturday by becoming the first Indian swimmer to clock under eight minutes in the men’s 800m freestyle, securing gold and booking his place at next year’s Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

The Gujarat swimmer touched the wall in 7:59.36, bettering his own Best Indian Time of 8:00.76 set in 2019. The landmark performance also ensured qualification for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan after he comfortably surpassed the prescribed standards.

Nehra Continues Record-Breaking Run

Nehra’s latest achievement came after he had already produced another record performance earlier in the championships.

The swimmer had improved the Best Indian Time in the men’s 1500m freestyle and also attained the Commonwealth Games qualification mark in the event.

With his exploits in both distance events, Nehra has emerged as one of the standout performers of the championships.

He joins a growing list of Indian swimmers who have secured berths for major international competitions.

Olympian Sajan Prakash qualified for the Commonwealth Games in the men’s 200m butterfly, while Srihari Nataraj earned qualification for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in the men’s 50m backstroke.

More Records Fall on Penultimate Day

The penultimate day of the National Aquatics Championships witnessed several notable performances as swimmers continued to rewrite records.

Rujula S improved her own Best Indian Time in the women’s 50m freestyle, clocking 26.23 seconds to lower the mark she had set last year.

B. Benedicton Rohit also enjoyed a memorable outing in the men’s 50m butterfly.

He first surpassed his previous national record of 24.11 seconds during the heats and then went even faster in the final.

Rohit clocked 23.63 seconds to win the gold medal and set a new national record in the event.

Difference Between National Records and Best Indian Times

According to Swimming Federation regulations, national records are recognised only when they are achieved at the National Aquatics Championships.

Timings registered by Indian swimmers at other domestic or international competitions are classified as Best Indian Times.

The championships have witnessed a series of such performances, underlining the improving standards of Indian swimming ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year.

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