Two Navy swimmers Samiul Islam Rafi and Yuthi Akhtar emerged the best on the last day of the 33rd National Swimming at Syed Nazrul Islam Swimming Complex, Mirpur.
On the last day, Rafi and Yuthi won gold in the 100m backstroke in front of the chief guest Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa.
Although Rafi did not set any record on this day. However, he took 59.15 seconds to win gold in this event. And Yuthi set a record and won gold. His timing is 01.11.83 seconds.
In all, Rafi won 5 gold and 1 bronze. 3 of these events set new national records. This swimmer from Rajbari became the best in boys category.
Yuthi, who was awarded the best swimmer in the girls category, won 4 golds and 1 silver. 3 of them set new national records.
Rafi went to Thailand two years ago on a World Swimming Federation Finner scholarship. In the middle of practice there, he came to Bangladesh to participate in the 33rd National Swimming Championship. Olympian swimmer Rafi wants to use his training in Thailand to improve his timing at next month's World Swimming Championships in Hungary.
Taking the best swimmer award, Rafi said, 'I actually went to Thailand in the second stage and could not reach the earlier timing. Although the coach said everything will be fine. Still very disappointed with it. On this suddenly the date of national swimming was announced. I could not think what will not happen? After that, the coach made me train hard for the last 2 months. This is why I have improved so much in timing.'
However, Yuthi does not get the opportunity to practice regularly in the country. Still, he is happy to have won the best swimmer award, 'My coach is Mahfuza Khatun Shila. Doing well under him. Next, I will go to the World Swimming in Hungary. Hopefully this performance will boost my confidence. I will try to reduce the timing there.'
8 swimming and 2 diving events were held on the 4th and final day of competition. New national records were set in 2 swimming events on the day. In total, new national records were set in 10 events in swimming.
Bangladesh Navy has become the champion in national swimming. This organization won 32 gold, 26 silver and 12 bronze. Bangladesh Army won 10 gold, 15 silver and 23 bronze as runners-up.
