Karnataka’s Rujula S has rewritten Indian swimming history, delivering a sensational performance at the 78th Senior National Aquatic Championships in Bhubaneswar. The 17-year-old swimmer shattered a 17-year-old national record in the women’s 50m freestyle, cementing her place as the fastest Indian female swimmer ever.
Breaking Barriers: Rujula S Sets New National Record
On a day that will be remembered for years, Rujula S clocked an astonishing 26.36 seconds in the 50m freestyle. This remarkable swim broke the longstanding national record of 26.37 seconds set by Shikha Tandon in 2008, edging past by just 0.01 seconds.
- Previous Record: 26.37s by Shikha Tandon (2008)
- New Record: 26.36s by Rujula S (2025)
- Event: 50m Freestyle, Senior National Aquatic Championships
Not only did Rujula break the national record, but she also smashed the meet record of 26.47 seconds, set by Rujuta Khade in 2023.
The Race: How Rujula Outpaced the Field
The women’s 50m freestyle final was fiercely contested, but Rujula S surged ahead with her explosive start and flawless technique. Her victory was even more impressive considering the caliber of her competitors:
Silver: Avantika Sudhir Chavan (Railways) — 26.58s
Bronze: Dhinidhi Desinghu (Karnataka, India’s youngest Olympian at Paris 2024) — 26.69s
Rujula’s swim not only won her the gold but also inspired a new generation of swimmers across the nation.
Rujula S: A Rising Star in Indian Swimming
At just 17, Rujula S has already made waves at both junior and senior levels. Her recent performances highlight her consistency and hunger for excellence:
- Won the Group I, 50m freestyle at the junior nationals with a time of 26.91s, breaking last year’s record.
- Key member of Karnataka’s record-breaking relay teams at the championships.
- Continues to improve her times, showing promise for international success.
The Significance of Rujula’s Achievement
Rujula’s new national record is more than just a number—it’s a symbol of the rapid progress Indian women’s swimming is making on the national and global stage. Her achievement:
- Ends a 17-year wait for a new women’s 50m freestyle national record.
- Sets a benchmark for aspiring swimmers nationwide.
- Puts her in contention for international competitions and potential Olympic qualification.
Key Highlights from the 78th Senior National Aquatic Championships
- Rujula S sets a new national and meet record in the women’s 50m freestyle.
- Avantika Sudhir Chavan and Dhinidhi Desinghu round out the podium.
- Karnataka swimmers dominate multiple events, showcasing the state’s swimming depth.
What’s Next for Rujula S?
With this record-breaking swim, Rujula S is expected to feature prominently in upcoming international meets. Her focus will likely shift to preparing for Asian and World Championships, and possibly making a mark at the Olympics.
FAQs About Rujula S and Her Record-Breaking Swim
Q1: What record did Rujula S break?
A: Rujula S broke the Indian national record in the women’s 50m freestyle, clocking 26.36 seconds and surpassing Shikha Tandon’s 17-year-old mark.
Q2: How old is Rujula S?
A: Rujula S is 17 years old and already a standout performer at both junior and senior levels.
Q3: Who held the previous women’s 50m freestyle record in India?
A: Shikha Tandon held the previous record with a time of 26.37 seconds, set in 2008.
Q4: Who were the other medalists in the 50m freestyle event?
A: Avantika Sudhir Chavan won silver and Dhinidhi Desinghu, India’s youngest Olympian at Paris 2024, took bronze.
Q5: What’s next for Rujula S after this achievement?
A: Rujula is expected to compete in upcoming international events and could be a strong contender for the Indian Olympic swimming team.
Conclusion
Rujula S’s record-breaking swim is a landmark moment for Indian swimming. Her determination, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made her the fastest female swimmer in India. As she continues to break barriers, Rujula is not just winning medals—she’s inspiring a new era of Indian swimmers to dream big and swim faster than ever before.
