Swimming World Championships: Srihari Nataraj finishes 31st in 200m backstroke

Premier Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj finished a disappointing 31st in the men's 200m backstroke event

Fukuoka: Premier Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj finished a disappointing 31st in the men’s 200m backstroke event at the FINA World Aquatics Championships here on Thursday.

The 22-year-old clocked 2:04.42 to finish last in his heat as he failed to make the cut for the semifinals.
Of the 39 competing, the top 16 swimmers across four heats advanced to the semifinals.

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Srihari’s personal best in the event, which is also the best by an Indian swimmer, had come last year at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham when he touched the pad in 2:00.84.

The Asian Games-bound Srihari, who had finished 31st in the men’s 100m backstroke event as well earlier this week, will compete in one more event at the ongoing World Championships — the 50m backstroke on Sunday.