More than 15 swimmers of the Meghalaya Swimming Association (MSA) will participate at the 3rd Himalayan swimming meet to be held on August 26 in Sikkim.
The tournament will be in the category of junior, sub-junior and senior level.
MSA Joe Marwein informed that the players are prepared and the players are one of the best in the state. He said that some of the players have also participated at national swimming competitions at Orissa and expressed hope that this time the players from the state will bag medals and bring laurels to the State.
He however said that even though swimming has started to shine in the state they need more experienced coaches, etc. “We only have a 25 metres swimming pool to practice and we don’t have a standard 50 metres pool where competitions are held and we need one,” he added.
Meanwhile the MSA has objected to the reported move of the government to demolish the Crinoline swimming pool to pave way for extension of a building.
Marwein said as per the blueprint, the building is taller than the pool which is not correct. He said if such demolition takes place it will take not less than four to five years, which will greatly affect swimmers.
He said the association last year had submitted a letter to the then Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh asking the government to halt the move.
“We also heard the government wants to convert the pool into an officer club cum resort which is not acceptable to us swimming enthusiasts,” he added.