Srihari Nataraj eyes Asian Games glory after dominant KIUG show

India’s ace swimmer Srihari Nataraj has set his focus firmly on next year’s Commonwealth and Asian Games, buoyed by a commanding performance at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) where he swept an incredible nine gold medals.

The 24-year-old Bengaluru star, also a multiple national record holder, finished the meet with 11 medals — nine gold and two silver — playing a pivotal role in Jain University’s tally of 45 medals, including 27 gold from the pool.

Fresh off a strong outing at the Asian Aquatics Championships in Ahmedabad, where he claimed seven medals, Nataraj displayed his superiority in Jaipur without needing to push to his limits. Despite not being at his peak, he remained far ahead of the competition, reaffirming his status as one of India’s brightest swimming prospects.

With major international events on the horizon, Nataraj said he is looking forward to raising his performance levels and making a mark on the international stage.