Gujarat CM inaugurates Asian Aquatics Championship, hosts 29 nations

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship at the newly constructed Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Over 900 athletes from 29 countries are participating in the tournament, which will continue until October 11.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has successfully built a robust sporting culture and world-class infrastructure. He expressed pride in Gujarat being chosen as the host, calling it a reflection of the state’s growing importance in India’s sports landscape.“This is the most promising era for young athletes, with abundant opportunities now within their reach,” Patel said, adding that a National Sports Policy is being shaped to create a comprehensive ecosystem from the grassroots to the Olympic level. He highlighted that this transformation is enabling India to nurture and produce world-class athletes across disciplines.Welcoming international athletes to Ahmedabad, the Chief Minister recalled India’s long association with aquatics, noting that Indian swimmers have consistently represented the nation in global competitions since the London Olympics in 1948. He also lauded the contributions of the country’s finest swimmers and pointed to the achievements of Gujarat’s own swimming talents.Highlighting the state’s growing sports infrastructure, Patel said that Gujarat has steadily developed advanced facilities under the guidance of the Prime Minister. Remembering freedom fighter Veer Savarkar on the occasion, the CM described him as a skilled swimmer, saying that naming the state-of-the-art complex after him was a fitting tribute.

ગુજરાતના સ્પોર્ટ્સ સેક્ટર માટે આજનો દિવસ માઈલસ્ટોન સમો બની રહેશે.

અમદાવાદના નારણપુરા ખાતે નવનિર્મિત વીર સાવરકર સ્પોર્ટ્સ કોમ્પ્લેક્સ ખાતે 11th Asian Aquatics Championship નો શુભારંભ કરાવ્યો.

11 ઓક્ટોબર, 2025 સુધી ચાલનારી આ ચેમ્પિયનશિપમાં સ્વિમિંગ, ડાઇવિંગ, આર્ટિસ્ટિક સ્વિમિંગ… pic.twitter.com/4mmNC6GYHX

— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) September 28, 2025

Minister of State for Sports Harsh Sanghavi,who was also present at the ceremony, in his address, said it is a proud moment for the entire state that Gujarat has been entrusted with hosting the Asian Aquatics Championship the first time this prestigious event is being held in India. He noted that under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister, Gujarat is steadily emerging as a sports hub.Sanghavi highlighted that iconic facilities such as the world’s largest Narendra Modi Stadium, the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, and the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex are venues where countless athletes can pursue and realise their dreams. He praised Gujarat’s athletes for their remarkable achievements on international platforms, which have brought global recognition and pride to the state.He remarked that this championship strengthens Gujarat’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games. Appealing to athletes to join in the vision of making Gujarat the nation’s sporting hub, he also extended an invitation to over 1,100 athletes, coaches, and delegates from 29 countries to experience the cultural vibrancy of Gujarat by participating in Garba  the world’s longest dance festival.
The inauguration ceremony featured a light and sound show along with cultural performances that entertained the audience. The competition began with the march in of officials and players. President of the Swimming Federation of India, R.N. Jayaprakash, delivered the welcome address and greeted everyone at the inauguration ceremony. Senior Vice President of Asia Aquatics, Virendra Nanavati, presented the congratulatory message of the President of Asia Aquatics on this occasion,according to information.

(State Correspondent)