The championship will feature competitions across three age categories — Group A for swimmers aged 17-18 years, Group B for athletes aged 15-16 years, and Group C for competitors aged 13-14 years.
Leading India’s challenge in Group B will be Paris Olympian Dhinidhi Desinghu, who will compete in the 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle events along with three relay competitions. Her inclusion highlights Karnataka’s continued contribution to India’s international swimming campaigns.
Joining Dhinidhi in the squad is Dharshan S, who will face a demanding schedule at the championship. He is set to participate in the 100m, 200m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events, along with two relay competitions.
Karnataka’s strong representation reflects the state’s sustained dominance at the national level, where its swimmers have consistently led medal standings and produced athletes who have represented India on international platforms.
Dhinidhi credited Karnataka’s strong aquatic ecosystem for the state’s success and the large number of selections. “A major factor is that we have a lot of infrastructure. Plus, coaches like Nihar Ameen coach here. All big coaches coach within Bangalore,” she said.
Competing at the Asian Age Group Championships for the second time, Dhinidhi enters the tournament with high expectations. Reflecting on her recent performance at the Senior Nationals, she said, “I completed Senior Nationals just a month ago. I had expected a lot more out of myself. I was determined to get the times I wanted, but they didn't really come. But I think that is what sport is. Ups and downs are part of the process.”
The 16-year-old swimmer added that the team had undergone extensive preparation over the past month and expressed confidence in India’s squad. “One month, we had a lot of training. I think it will go quite well. The whole squad is quite strong this time, and we will come back with a strong result,” Dhinidhi said on Tuesday.
With a strong Karnataka presence and a talented Indian squad competing across multiple age categories, the 12th Asian Age Group Championships represent another major opportunity for the country’s emerging swimmers to make an impact on the international stage.
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