Natraj betters Olympic qualification time in men’s 100m backstroke

India’s Srihari Nataraja broke the Tokyo Olympic Games qualification time in the men’s 100m backstroke during the time trial in the Sete Koli Trophy, but his feat is yet to be approved by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). Natraj clocked 53.77s, which was faster than the Olympic qualification time of 53.85s. If FINA clears his time, the 20-year-old swimmer from Bengaluru will become the second Indian to make the cut in qualification, which guarantees an automatic berth to the Olympics.

Natraj’s performance of 53.77 s is also better than his own previous national record of 54.07 s.

It is expected that FINA can give a decision on the timing of Natraj next week.
On Saturday, India’s Sajan Prakash became the first Indian swimmer to achieve an Olympic qualification time in the men’s 200m butterfly event in Rome. Prakash clocked 1:56.38s, which was better than the Olympic qualification time of 1:56.48s.
The Olympic qualifying deadline in swimming was till Sunday.