West Bengal has cemented its legacy as the undisputed leader of Indian finswimming, securing a historic fifth consecutive overall championship title. The team's latest triumph came at the 5th National Finswimming Championship, which concluded at the International Swimming Pool in Yemmekera, Mangalore.
A Dominant Display of Aquatic Prowess
The Bengal contingent put on a masterclass, leaving no doubt about their supremacy. Their campaign was nothing short of spectacular, as they topped the medals tally with a staggering 568 points. The team's haul included a whopping 165 medals, comprising 61 gold, 59 silver, and 45 bronze medals. This dominant performance pushed Karnataka to a distant second place with 248 points, while Uttar Pradesh finished third with 78 points.
Record-Breaking Streak and Individual Brilliance
This victory marks Bengal's fifth straight national championship win, a feat that sets a new record in the annals of Indian finswimming history. The triumph was powered by several standout individual performances across age categories.
In the Junior ‘C' category, Ronit Das emerged as a top male performer, sweeping four gold medals and contributing 20 crucial points to Bengal's total. Mirroring his success in the women's Junior ‘C' category was Sampriya Kundu, who also secured four gold medals and 20 points.
The excellence continued in the senior ranks, with Aheli Saha excelling in the Senior ‘A' women's category by bagging four gold medals. The masters category saw Ritu Banerjee deliver a stellar performance, winning four gold medals in the Master ‘V0' group.
Other notable contributors included Srinjan Nath, who was impressive in the Junior ‘D' category with three gold and one silver medal. Angshuman Nag added to the medal rush with two gold and two silver medals in the Junior ‘E' category.
The Path to Victory and Lasting Legacy
The Bengal swimmers showcased their versatility and skill across a range of disciplines, performing exceptionally well in surface, bi-fins, apnea, and relay events. This comprehensive strength across all event types was key to their overwhelming points total and medal count.
This historic fifth consecutive title is more than just a win; it is a testament to the robust training system, talent pipeline, and sporting culture in West Bengal. It establishes the state as the premier powerhouse for finswimming in India, setting a high benchmark for other states to aspire to. The record-breaking achievement in Mangalore will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of aquatic athletes in the region and across the country.
