Bhubaneswar, July 22: More than 1,000 swimmers from 21 states, including Odisha, are participating in the 66th Junior and Sub-Junior National Swimming Championship being held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The three-day championship features competitions in butterfly, backstroke, freestyle, and other swimming events. Odisha's swimmers have delivered an impressive performance, winning multiple medals and emerging as strong contenders in several categories.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradeep Kumar Padhi, President of the Odisha State Swimming Association, said the primary objective of the championship is to identify and nurture grassroots talent by providing young swimmers with greater competitive exposure. He also noted that despite the shortage of swimming pools in many parts of Odisha, the state's swimmers have consistently produced commendable performances at the national level.

Odisha had performed well in the previous national junior championship, winning more than five medals. Encouraged by that success, the association is hopeful of an even stronger medal haul in this year's competition.

Several medal-winning swimmers also expressed confidence in maintaining their form and bringing more laurels to the state.

The Odisha State Swimming Association plans to provide specialised coaching and advanced training to a select group of promising swimmers to prepare them for upcoming national and international championships, further strengthening the state's presence in competitive swimming.