GET SET, GO!: Swimmers dive into the Krishna to take part in the river-crossing competition in Vijayawada on Friday. — PHOTO: CH.VIJAYA BHASKAR

VIJAYAWADA : The Kanakadurga Ghat on Friday wore a festive look as dozens of amateur and professional swimmers gathered there to take part in the 1.5-km-long river crossing competition organised by Aqua Devils, a club that promotes water sports in the city.

Wearing colourful swimming attires, swimmers of all age groups took a plunge into the river with gusto amidst thunderous applause from onlookers. As a measure of precaution, a cruiser carrying a medical team comprising Mohan Prasad of Dolphin Medical Services and Prakash, an anaesthetist, sailed along with the swimmers. A few country boats with professional swimmers aboard kept a vigil on the enthusiastic swimmers.

Fourteen-year-old G. Bhargav Krishna, a Class VII student from Viswa Jyothi High School in Krishnalanka, reached the other side of the riverbank at Lotus Food City ahead of others and emerged winner. M. Subrahmanya Swami, an Intermediate student of Nalanda College, and K. Srikar, an Intermediate student of V.P. Siddhartha Public School, finished second and third. Incidentally, all the three regularly practise at Sir Vizzi Municipal Corporation pool in Gandhinagar under the watchful eyes of coaches Sambasiva Rao, Srikanth and Tirumalai Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Gokaraju Ganga Raju, chairman of Aqua Devils said: "The organisation has been floated to promote good health among people.

`Mother of all sports'

Swimming is considered as mother of all sports, as it helps one stay fit and healthy."

As a token of appreciation, Mr. Ganga Raju presented Rs. 2,000, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 to the top three winners.

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