Karnataka eves set to dominate

Bangalore, June 2: The Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre is decked up and ready to host swimming and waterpolo events of the fourth National Games. The seven-day programme gets underway tomorrow. The swimmers are expected to cause a ripple or two, but the picture is slightly different from the Pune Games. For one, Tamil Nadu who were runners-up overall behind Karnataka, will be a fairly depleted side. Their swimmers have exercised the right of veto given to sportsmen to represent the city of their birth.In the event, Tamil Nadu8217;s star swimmers, Sebastian Xavier, Sanal Kumar, Suresh Kumar and Anthony Manamayya have decided to represent Kerala this time.

However, it will not be Kerala8217;s gain all the way. Since Services are fielding a separate contingent, Kerala have lost the services of Shibu Sebastian, Abbey Jose and Martin Joseph from whom much was expected. The most notable miss in the women8217;s section will be Nisha Millet. At Pune, she emerged as an exciting prospect at the age of 12, and was declared the fastest swimmer. Later, she shifted to Karnataka. Her entry further fortifies a strong Karnataka women8217;s team. Karnataka, incidentally were the women8217;s champions and the overall champions at Pune.