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Swimming Federation of India (SFI) claimed the “universality places” for both genders after no Indian swimmer qualified for the Paris Games. read more
 "Swimmers Srihari Nataraj, Dhinidhi Desinghu qualify through 'Universality quota'")
Srihari Nataraj after the men's 100m backstroke swimming competition at 2018 Asian Games. PTI File Photo
Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu have qualified for the Paris Olympics via the Universality places, which allows countries to recommend their two highest ranked swimmers for the showpiece if there is no qualifier through the regulation process.
The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) claimed the “universality places” for both genders after no Indian swimmer qualified for the Paris Games or received a FINA invite based on their Olympic Selection time (B time).
“No Indian swimmer achieved the direct qualification, so SFI claimed the “universality places” for both genders,” SFI secretary-general Monal Chokshi told PTI.
“We sent the names of the two-highest ranked male and female swimmers and have received the confirmation regarding their participation,” he added.
The last date to qualify for the Olympics was 23 June.
In the men’s category, Nataraj was placed top of the World Aquatics points table with 849 points closely followed by Aryan Nehra, who was two points behind after his last qualification attempt in Canada.
Among the women’s swimmers, 14-year-old Dhinidhi was the highest ranked individual with 749 points.
Nataraj and veteran Sajan Prakash had created history in 2021, becoming the first two Indian swimmers to achieve the Olympic Qualification Timing (OQT) ‘A’ level time to directly qualify for the Summer Games in Tokyo.
Nataraj will compete in the 100m backstroke event in Paris, while Dhinidhi will participate in the women’s 200m freestyle.
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English (US) ·