KARACHI: Some 18 institutions, including 16 schools and two clubs, will have their over 300 swimmers featuring in the 22nd Palmolive Sindh Women’s Open Swimming Championship 2014 at the Karachi Gymkhana here on Oct 11 and 12.

“We have some 20 more girls taking part this year,” Firozeh Majidullah, one of the committee members of the Karachi Women’s Swimming Association (KWSA), told Dawn at the technical officials and managers’ meeting here on Thursday.

“Usually when the competition is held close to Ramazan, the number of participants decrease but it is different this time of year. Still, the ones appearing for their O and A-Level exams in November decide to not take part. Also the ones appearing for their SATs feel the same way,” the committee member pointed out.

About the Technical Officials and Managers’ meeting, Pervin Minwalla, KWSA Secretary explained: “This is the last chance for the managers of teams to enter or scratch their swimmers’ names. If any swimmer whose name appears in the contestants’ list once the meets start we will have to deduct points as penalty from that team.”

Meanwhile, tournament director Veena Masud said that the championship was open across Sindh to female participants. “The age groups being contested this year are eight and under, nine-10 years, 11-12 years, 13-14 years, 15-16 years and ‘open age’. The many prestigious schools and clubs participating in this year’s championship include Karachi Grammar School, City School, DHA O & A Levels, Links, CAS, Defence Club, Karachi Club, Karachi Gymkhana,to name a few. Karachi Grammar School is the defending champion,” she said.

“The swimming events will include all FINA official swim strokes and events,” she added. The event will commence at 8:30am on Saturday, October 11. The swimming events will be witnessed by females only and no photographs or videos are allowed while the swimmers are in the pool. The medal presentation ceremony will take place on Sunday, Oct 12 at 5.00pm.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2014