Khade erases Sebastian Xavier`s record

Thiruvnanthapuram: Maharashtra swimmer Veer Dhaval Khade broke the 11-year-old record set by ace swimmer Sebastian Xavier in the 50m free style on the fourth day of the 63rd Senior National Aquatic Championship at LNCP Swimming pool here today. The 18-year-old plus two student from Kolhapur clocked 00:22:71, erasing the record of Xavier who had timed 00;:22:89 in 1998. Khade had clocked 00:22:55 in the same event at the Rome Fina Championship earlier this year. Khade told reporters that he could not meet the Rome`s timing due to lack of training as he had concentrated on his studies. He started his practice only one week before this National meet. Xaiver, who witnessed the creation of new record by Khade, said Khade`s perforaance was a big boost to India`s swimming. Another six meet records were set during the day with champion Karnataka topping table with 14 (gold), 10 (silver) and Six (bronze) and a points total of 237. Rehan Poncha from Karnataka claimed his third record gold today by coming first in 200 m medley, clocking 02:05:89 and erasing his own record of 02:08:13. Richa Mishra of Police created a new record in 200 mt individual medley for women by clocking 02:25:17 and overboarding her own mark of 02:25:00. In 50 M back stroke, TN`s M Balakarishnan bettered his own mark of 00:27:58 and set new mark of 00:27:56. Bureau Report