Virdhawal Vikram Khade-Indian Swimmer

Virdhawal Vikram Khade, one of India’s finest swimmers, has made history with his exceptional achievements in freestyle and butterfly events. As the youngest Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympics in 2008, he holds multiple national records and brought India its first swimming medal in 24 years with a bronze at the 2010 Asian Games. Awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2011, Khade continues to inspire with his record-breaking performances and dedication to the sport.

Virdhawal Vikram Khade: Indian Swimming Champion

• Birth: 29 August 1991
• Specialization: Freestyle and Butterfly events

Key Achievements:

• Youngest Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympics, competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Freestyle events. Set an Indian national record in the 100m Freestyle with a time of 50.07 seconds.
• Won bronze in the 50m Butterfly at the 2010 Asian Games, ending a 24-year wait for an Indian swimming medal at the Asian Games.
• Awarded the Arjuna Award in 2011 for his contributions to swimming.
• Holds multiple national records in 50m, 100m, and 200m Freestyle, and 50m Butterfly events.

Major Competitions:

• Commonwealth Games:
  • Reached the finals in the 50m Butterfly and was part of the 4x100m Freestyle Relay team that finished 6th in 2010.
  • Made it to the semi-finals of the 50m Butterfly at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
• Asian Games:
  • Won bronze in the 50m Butterfly at the 2010 Asian Games.
  • Finished 4th in the 50m Freestyle at the 2018 Asian Games, missing the bronze by 0.01 seconds.
• South Asian Games:
  • Gold in 50m Butterfly and silver in 50m Freestyle at the 2016 South Asian Games.
  • Silver in the 50m Freestyle at the 2019 South Asian Games.
• Asian Age-Group Championships:
  • Won gold in 50m Freestyle and 4x100m Freestyle Relay in 2015.
  • Secured another gold medal at the 10th Asian Age-Group Championship in 2019.

Records:

• Best Timings:
  • 50m Freestyle: 22.43 seconds (2018 Asian Games).
  • 100m Freestyle: 49.47 seconds (2008 Commonwealth Youth Games).
  • 200m Freestyle: 1:49.86 seconds (2008 Commonwealth Youth Games).
  • 50m Butterfly: 24.09 seconds (2018 Asian Games).

Personal Life:

• Married to fellow swimmer Rujuta Khade.
• Trained by Nihar Ameen and supported by GoSports Foundation, a sports nonprofit organization.

Virdhawal Khade is a trailblazer in Indian swimming, known for breaking records and inspiring the next generation of athletes.