Swimming legends go down memory lane

As many as seven award-winning swimmers of the 1977-78 batch of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) — all now in their mid-70s — reunited in Patiala to relive memories of their training days.

Among those present was Dr MS Rana, Arjuna Awardee (1975) and former NIS swimming coach, who later moved to the US in 2000. He flew from America especially for the occasion.

Amarjeet Singh Sandhu, retired Chief Swimming Coach, NIS Patiala (2010), said, “There were 13 swimmers in our batch. Seven of us decided to meet and celebrate the old times.”

Dr VK Dabas, Chairman, Para Olympic Committee of India, said the reunion was a nostalgic moment for all. “We gathered to remember the good old days and the bond we shared during our formative years at the NIS,” he said.