PANAJI
At the recently concluded 37th Sub-Junior and Junior state swimming championship held at Ponda Swimming Pool between 16–18 July, 13-year-old Vihaan Pednekar from Porvorim won a record seven medals which included six gold and a silver.
His outstanding performance in the pool meant that Vihaan won the ‘Individual Championship’ title in Boys II category.
By winning a gold in 50m backstroke and 200m backstroke, Vihaan broke 11-year-old state records of Xavier D’Souza set in 2015.
In 50m backstroke, Vihaan clocked an impressive 29.89 seconds to surpass previous record of 30.38 seconds held by Xavier D’Souza since 2015.
In 200m backstroke, Vihaan’s time of 2 minutes 20.20 seconds broke Xavier D’Souza’s another long-standing record set in 2015 wherein he had clocked 2 minutes 22.69 seconds.
A student of standard IX at St. John of the Cross High School, Sanquelim, Vihaan also won a gold in 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 4 x 100m freestyle relay, 4 x 100m individual medley relay and a silver in 50m freestyle, thereby winning a total of seven medals (6 gold and 1 silver).
Vihaan is currently training in Bengaluru since August 2022, under the guidance of his coach Surajit Ganguly at the Basavangudi Aquatic Center. When in Goa, Vihaan is trained by Jerry D'Mello.
The interesting part is that Xavier D’Souza whose records were broken by Vihaan is also teaching him in Bengaluru. Xavier has been working as an assistant coach to Surajit Ganguly for a while. It was amazing to see Vihaan broke his coach’s records which stood since 2015.
Xavier felt proud to be coaching Vihaan and expressed his happiness with Vihaan’s performance.
“I am really happy and proud about Vihaan’s performance. Vihaan not only broke my records but also gave new bench marks for future swimmers,” Xavier said.
Commenting on his performance, Vihaan said, “I was looking forward to break all the three records of backstroke which Xavier bhaiya had made in 2015. I was very unhappy rather than sad when I missed to break his record in 100m backstroke by 0.04 microseconds although it was my personal best. However, I focused on the next two events and made sure to break the other two which I eventually succeeded. I have qualified for the nationals in backstroke events and I will work hard for my upcoming nationals to get more medals for the state of Goa.”
Vihaan’s mother Prachi Pednekar informed The Goan, “As parents, Vihaan has made us proud. His achievements speaks it all. All credit of his achievements goes to all the coaches he interacts with. His present coach Surajit Ganguly has always been a key person to motivate him right till he starts his event. Ganguly Sir is also the last person he talks to before he goes for any event.“
Prachi further added, “Secondly, we also appreciate Xavier D’Souza for his guidance who is working as an assistant coach to Surajit Ganguly. When in Goa, Vihaan is coached by Jerry D'Mello at the Peddem Swimming Pool in Mapusa. His last few days of practice before the competition helped Vihaan to keep fit and focus. Not forgetting his first coach Jose Thomas Sir, who is still in constant touch with Vihaan’s father for regular updates on his timings at every competition he participates.”
