China emerging as swimming power
The 17th FINA World Championships are being held in Budapest, capital of Hungary from 14 July. One hundred eighty-two nations including Bangladesh are taking part in the tournament for 75 gold medals in total in six categories to be concluded on Sunday. Till July 27, China led the medal table with 12 gold, 11 silver and five bronze medals closely followed by the reigning champions United States who so far captured 10 gold, 10 silver and six bronze. Russia are in the third position with eight gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
Among the other nations, France annexed five, Great Britain four, Italy three and Brazil two gold medals. But surprisingly Australia, one of the swimming power houses, were able to win just one gold medal. The experts are confused as to what led the Aussies swimmers to flop.
Malaysia are the other Asian country to have won a gold medal, sending the nation to celebrate. Swimming is the second most important discipline in the World Olympics. The first one is athletics though soccer is the most popular game.
Bangladeshi swimmers are short of both energy and physic. We do not know when that day will emerge we shall rejoice.
Khurshida Haque
Dhaka
