Maanya Wadhwa sweeps SFA Championships in Bengaluru, clinching four golds in swimming

· Day 7 witnesses school athletes competing across 7 sports

Bengaluru, January 22nd, 2024: On Day 7 of the SFA Championships, the spirit of spectators remained high with the kick off of Kabaddi, and Throwball. The Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence hosted a total of 7 sports, including Badminton, Basketball, Football, Kabaddi, Table Tennis, Throwball, and Swimming. The battle to win the coveted title of ‘number one school in sports’ is reaching its climax, as the competition remains fierce.

The day witnessed the much-anticipated finals of swimming for the U-8 to U-18 categories, where young swimmers showcased their techniques in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly strokes. The day brought to light the extraordinary talent of a 12-year-old swimmer, Manya Wadhwa, from Maaruthi Magnolia Public School, who won 4 gold medals at SFA Championships in 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m freestyle and Butterfly stroke 100m. The proud father Raj Wadhwa spoke about her daughter’s journey so far, “Manya began swimming just two years ago, because we wanted her to maintain an active lifestyle and keep away from gadgets. As she began swimming, the coach recognised her potential, and recommended that Manya should pursue participation in professional competitions. We are extremely proud of her passion for the sport and as a family we will continue supporting her.” At the state level, in 50m freestyle, she won silver. Manya has represented Karnataka at the Nationals in Orissa in 2023, with an overall India rank as 12th. In the south zone National meet, she won 2gold and 1silver and in the South zone State meet, she won 3gold, 1silver and 2bronze.

The age-old sport of Kabaddi, deeply rooted in Indian culture, took the center stage where U-14 boys displayed their skills, discipline, and determination. Throwball matches in the U-16 and U-18 categories engaged in spirited rallies, showcasing their precise throws, quick reflexes, and collaborative play. Meanwhile, Table Tennis finals for U-10 to U-17 girls and boys engaged in thrilling rallies.

Badminton enthralled the audience with exciting quarter-finals and semi-finals of U-11 to U-19 categories. Meanwhile, Basketball courts echoed with excitement as U-16 boys and girls engaged in quarter final battles.