Bhutan Aquatics Federation Strengthens High Altitude Training Collaboration with Inspire Institute of Sports

The Bhutan Aquatics Federation, in collaboration with the Inspire Institute of Sports, continues to advance its high altitude training programme in Bhutan, further reinforcing regional cooperation in elite swimming development. Supported by the Bhutan Olympic Committee, the initiative is designed to enhance performance standards while providing valuable exposure for both Bhutanese and international swimmers.

Among the notable athletes currently undergoing training is Sajan Prakash, a 32-year-old swimmer from Kerala, India. Prakash made history as India’s first-ever qualified swimmer in the 200 metre butterfly. A dominant force in Indian swimming, he has remained national champion and national record holder for 14 consecutive years from 2013 to the present

Prakash previously represented India at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and continues to set his sights on the podium. Speaking about his ambitions, he shared, “I aim to win medals in the upcoming Commonwealth and the Asian Games.”

Leading the high altitude programme is Sandeep Sejwal, a 37-year-old coach from Delhi representing the Inspire Institute of Sports. Sejwal is himself an accomplished former swimmer, having secured a bronze medal in the 50 metre breaststroke at the Asian Games in 2014.

He also competed at the Beijing Olympics in the 50, 100, and 200 metre breaststroke events, and participated in the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Since beginning his coaching journey in 2018, Sejwal has been actively involved in developing high-performance swimmers.

Bhutan Aquatics Federation Hosts Elite Indian Swimmers for High Altitude Training

Commenting on the camp, Sejwal noted, “Although we cannot guarantee, we hope to win medals from the upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games from some of my athletes.”

The training camp follows an intensive daily schedule designed to maximise altitude adaptation and technical refinement. Swimmers train in the morning from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and resume in the evening from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM, combining endurance work, race pace sets, and recovery protocols.

Training at Bhutan’s altitude is expected to briefly enhance the squad’s endurance, oxygen efficiency, and race readiness when they return to sea-level competitions, making the camp strategically valuable ahead of major international events.

Importantly, the programme is also creating valuable knowledge exchange opportunities. As part of his coaching role, Sejwal regularly interacts with young swimmers currently being trained by the Bhutan Aquatics Federation, offering technical guidance, race strategy insights, and high-performance training tips. This mentorship component is expected to significantly benefit Bhutan’s next generation of swimmers.

This collaboration marks the second time the Bhutan Aquatics Federation has engaged in such an international high-altitude training initiative. It represents another positive step in Bhutan’s growing involvement in high performance sport, while strengthening development pathways for swimmers across the region.

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