AHMEDABAD – Maana Patel said she was thrilled to become the first Indian female swimmer ever to qualify for the Olympics, having faced pool closures and a harsh lockdown as she prepared for the Tokyo Games during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patel, 21, will compete in Tokyo in the women’s 100m backstroke after world governing body FINA approved her participation under the universality quota following some strong performances in European meets in the last three months.
“I am very, very thrilled,” she told Reuters in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad during a practice session.
“I am honoured and humbled to represent my country at the Olympics this year. But I believe this is just…
Keep on reading: After tough pandemic, Patel thrilled to be India’s first female swimmer at Olympics