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Swimming
Swimming, art of
self-support or self-m ovement,
using arms or legs, in or on the water, usually
for sport or recreation. Because human beings do
not swim instinctively, it must be learnt.
Unlike other land animals that propel themselves
through water by what is essentially a form of
walking, human beings have developed a variety
of strokes and body movements that propel them
through water with speed and power. They are the
basis for the evolution of competitive swimming
as a sport.
Swimming may take place in any body of water
large enough to allow free movement and not too
hot, cold, or turbulent. Currents and tides may
render swimming hazardous, but they also serve
as a challenge to the strength and courage of
swimmers, as in the many successful efforts to
swim the English Channel.
Swimming was highly esteemed in ancient Greece
and Rome, especially as a form of training for
warriors. Competitions were held in Japan in the
1st century bc. Swimming fell into disuse almost
entirely, however, in Europe in the Middle Ages
when immersion in water was associated with the
recurrent epidemic diseases of the time. By the
19th century that prejudice was dispelled, and
by the 20th century swimming had become known
not only as a means of survival or saving lives
in emergencies, but as a valuable tool in
physical therapy and as the most beneficial form
of general exercise. No other form of exercise
uses so many muscles in the body so fully. In
addition, greater affluence and improved
building and heating techniques have enormously
increased the number of indoor and outdoor
swimming pools constructed for public use
worldwide; and the private pool, once a symbol
of exceptional privilege, is now more common.
Swimming In India
Both as a general activity
and sporting event, swimming is widely popular
in India and appeals to people of all ages.
Notwithstanding such a considerable following,
competitive swimming is one of the few Olympic
events that have not seen any notable Indian
triumphs at international competitions.
The maladies afflicting Indian swimming are not
difficult to pin down. Lack of foresight and
planning on part of those at the helm of affairs
in the Swimming Federation of India are proving
to be the bane for India's promising swimmers
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