New Delhi, 1 October 2026: Head coach of Indian para swimming team, Dr. Virender Kumar Dabbas says that he expects at least four medals from his disciples in the next Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games to be held from October 18 to 24, 2026. Speaking to SAI media during the ongoing preparation camp at SAI NCoE, Gandhinagar, Dr. Virendra Kumar Dabbas gave special praise to para-swimmer Rohit Kumar. He said, “Rohit Kumar, a former MARCOS commando, started swimming only one and a half years ago and is currently ranked second in Asia; along with Himanshu Nandal and Ravi Karthik Budignani, he is also one of our best potential players. I am hopeful that this team will win at least four medals in the Continental Games.”

Members of the Indian Para-Swimming contingent are participating in the preparation camp at SAI NCoE, Gandhinagar from 20 September to 13 October, 2026. Dr. serving as the Chairman of Para Swimming in Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Dabbas had said that currently the main focus of this camp is on increasing the speed. He said, “We are currently in the 'tapering' phase; we are focusing on speed and working on faster starts and more accurate turns. Yesterday we noted the times taken by our swimmers. With the 'Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games' so close, it is important for us to be in the final phase of training, i.e. the 'tapering' phase. Swimming coaching follows a certain trajectory. “First we teach technique and work on athletic stamina, then comes strength training, finally we work on speed, without technique, stamina and strength there will be no speed.”

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  To give equal importance to sports in schools as to studies

  
  

He explained that if India has to emerge as a serious sporting nation, then sports in schools will have to be given as much importance as studies. “Currently, the government is trying to ensure that students get two 'games periods' a week; but what can be achieved in just two periods a week? Also, are they actually taught sports during these periods? Physical education teachers just make students play football or volleyball and that's it; they do not bother to teach them anything. They need to be made accountable.”

“In the late 80s, I was in East Germany to do a 'Masters in Sports Training' (not a Ph.D.); schools there did not allow students to advance to the next level unless they passed gymnastics and swimming tests, because sports were given as much or even more importance than studies.” He emphatically said that if small children are to be developed as sportsmen, then primary school teachers need to make a big contribution.

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  Every teacher at the primary level should have a certain level of proficiency in sports

  
  

“At the primary level, every teacher should have a certain level of proficiency in sports. If a primary teacher is adept in sports, and knows various sports parameters and rules, it will be of great help. He will also be able to use a small area for sports coaching. Keeping in mind the shortage of sports equipment, they need to bring innovation, a football can also be used for volleyball, handball etc. In this way sports culture will be created.”

He praised SAI, NCoE, Gandhinagar as a center of excellence for sports training. “I have been coming here for a long time as I am a member of the Talent Identification Development Committee (TIDC), there has been a significant improvement under the guidance of coach Mayank Diwan and coach Ravi Teja. This improvement is clearly visible as the swimmers are now registering very good times. The center provides high quality food, has good accommodation facilities and provides training to the players. However, I feel there should be a small market inside the campus, with a cafeteria with carrom tables where the athletes can socialize, relax and mingle.”