India has reached a significant milestone in aquatic sports. Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan have officially become the country’s first certified freediving judges, marking a new era for Indian freediving and setting the stage for the sport’s growth nationwide.
Breaking New Ground for Indian Freediving
Freediving, a discipline that tests an athlete’s ability to dive underwater on a single breath, has been steadily gaining popularity in India. Until now, the country lacked certified officials to oversee and judge national and international freediving competitions. That changed when Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan completed the rigorous training and certification process, earning recognition from international freediving bodies.
What Does It Take to Become a Freediving Judge?
The journey to becoming a certified freediving judge is demanding and requires:
- Completion of theoretical and practical training under the supervision of a certified international judge trainer.
- Fluency in English for international judging, as required by CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques), the global governing body for freediving.
- In-depth understanding of freediving competition rules, safety protocols, and event logistics.
- Hands-on experience judging at local or national competitions before qualifying for international events.
The certification process covers:
- History and structure of freediving organizations.
- Rules for organizing championships and world record attempts.
- Safety measures, equipment logistics, and problem-solving during events.
- Practical judging exercises, including pool and open-water disciplines.
The Pioneers: Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan
Both Akshay and Archana bring a wealth of experience as athletes and advocates for underwater sports in India. Their dedication to promoting freediving has now expanded into officiating, ensuring that Indian competitions meet international standards.
Key achievements:
- First Indians to receive international freediving judge certification.
- Qualified to officiate at national and international freediving events.
- Positioned to mentor and train future Indian freediving judges.
Why This Matters for Indian Freediving
The presence of certified judges is crucial for:
- Organizing official competitions that can be recognized by international bodies.
- Validating national records and enabling Indian athletes to compete globally.
- Ensuring athlete safety and fairness through adherence to strict judging protocols.
- Promoting the sport by making it accessible and credible for new participants.
With Akshay and Archana’s certification, India can now host sanctioned freediving competitions, paving the way for more athletes to participate and for the sport to gain mainstream attention.
What’s Next for Freediving in India?
- First official competitions: India can now plan and host its own recognized freediving events.
- Training programs: Akshay and Archana are expected to lead judge training sessions, expanding the pool of qualified officials in the country.
- International participation: Indian athletes and judges can now represent the nation at global freediving championships.
FAQs: India’s First Freediving Judges
Q1: Who are India’s first certified freediving judges?
A: Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan are the first Indians to become internationally certified freediving judges.
Q2: Why is having certified freediving judges important?
A: Certified judges are essential for organizing official competitions, validating records, and ensuring safety and fairness in the sport.
Q3: What is required to become a freediving judge?
A: Candidates must complete theoretical and practical training, demonstrate fluency in English, understand competition rules, and gain hands-on judging experience.
Q4: Which organizations certify freediving judges?
A: International bodies like CMAS and AIDA oversee freediving judge certification and set global standards for competitions.
Q5: What impact will this have on Indian freediving?
A: India can now host official competitions, validate records, and encourage more athletes to participate, boosting the sport’s growth nationwide.
Conclusion
The certification of Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan as India’s first freediving judges is a landmark achievement for Indian aquatic sports. Their expertise and leadership will not only elevate the standards of freediving in the country but also inspire a new generation of athletes and officials. As India dives deeper into the world of freediving, the future looks promising and full of potential.
