Virdhawal Khade


Virdhawal Vikram Khade is an Indian swimmer. He competed in the men's 50, 100, and 200 meters Freestyle swimming events at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, setting an Indian national record in 100 meters Freestyle. He failed to qualify for the semifinals in his events despite winning his qualification heat. Khade won a bronze medal in the 50 meters butterfly category at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou; it was India's first Asian Games medal in swimming in 24 years. He was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2011 by the Government of India.

Career

Khade is the national record-holder in the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle events and in the 50m Butterfly. Khade is Senior National Champion, 2006 in 50m, 100m, 200m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly. He won six Gold Medals and broke three Games Records at the South Asian Games, 2006 and won six Gold medals and broke five Games Records at the 33rd National Games, Guwahati.
He is the youngest ever Indian swimmer to qualify for an Olympics. Although he did not qualify for the semifinals of the 100m freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he did finish first in his heat and set a new personal best of 50.07 seconds, placing him 42nd overall. He came 48th in the 200 m freestyle and 32nd in the 50 m.
On 16 November 2010 Virdhawal Khade to win a medal at the Asian Games when he went on to capture the Bronze in the 50m Butterfly event at the 16th Asian Games. Sachin Nag was the first Indian to win a swimming gold medal in 1951 Asian games held in New Delhi. India had won five more medals (1 silver and 4 bronze in this game in Guangzhou, China. On 2019, Vijay Khade won gold medal at the 10th Asian Age Group Championship.
He endorses Nike. He is a supporter of Pratham Books and an active participant in their work on popularising reading among young Indians.
Virdhawal is coached by Nihar Ameen and trains in Bangalore. He is supported by GoSports Foundation, a sports non profit organisation that aims to promote sporting excellence in India.

Statistics

A few of his best timings are:
Virdhawal Khade was awarded with the Arjuna award 2011 in the swimming category.

Personal life

He is married to fellow swimmer Rujuta Khade.