2-time Swimming Nationals Gold Medallist Rujuta Khade is set to be one of the highest profile swimmers in action at the Khelo India University Games 2021 in Bengaluru. The 26-year-old swimmer will be representing Shivaji University at the Games, where she is pursuing a Masters degree in Commerce. In the lead up to the University Games, Rujuta spoke about how the Khelo India Games have benefitted athletes in recent years.
“I think the Khelo India Games are a great initiative. Back when I was in school, there used to be no platform as big as this one for athletes to prove their mettle. Athletes and their families used to feel a lot of financial pressure to keep up with the demands of the sport, and in the absence of major events to showcase one’s performance, this pressure can be difficult to deal with. The Khelo India Scheme has taken a lot of the financial pressure off the athletes, who don’t have to make as many compromises in their training program these days because Universities and State bodies have been more forthcoming in supporting their athletes to perform well at this stage,” she said.
Looking forward to delivering a solid performance at the Khelo India University Games 2021, the Mumbai-based swimmer said, “I am really looking forward to the Khelo India University Games. This is going to be my first major competition of the year, and I’m excited to see where I stand with the training that I have done in the off-season. That will help me prepare better for the Asian Games trials coming up in June-July.”
The swimmer, who took a break from competitive action in the sport during her teenage years, is now determined to find her best form as she trains with a renewed focus. Rujuta has her sights set firmly on representing India in the biggest competitions in the years to come.
“I am training hard to make it to the Asian Games this year, and after that, I want to focus on making the cut for the World Championships next year. These are my aspirations for the near future,” she signed off.
