By Mohamad Yousuf
Swimming is one of the oldest sports in the world. Historical evidence proves that the ancient Egyptians Swim at least 5,000 years ago. Most early civilizations regarded swimming as a military skill. The Romans included it in the military training of young soldiers. Swimming was still a useful military skill during the 16th Century. It is said that in 1555 Norwegian soldiers could swim underwater during armour. Plato announced that to be unable to swim is to be uneducated; in fact there is a evidence that the Greeks of 200 A.D competed in Abydos for swimming. Some religions also stress to learn swimming. In Islam it is “Sunat” to learn swimming. Swimming is nowadays a regular feature of the Olympics. Besides the competitive sport swimming is also an adventurous and life saving skill.
Swimming is becoming increasingly popular in all part of India but unfortunately it has completely been neglected in our state. No doubt Got has bestowed us so many lakes and rivers but the construction of a modern swimming pool is badly felt. There was a planning of constructing a swimming pool near the newly constructed Indoor Stadium in Srinagar but that plan has not so far come out from the bureaucratic jungle. Some people think that this sport can be promoted in the lakes and rivers but it is totally impossible. For the competitive swimming the children should be trained from the age of one year. So it is not possible to give them scientific training in the rushing rivers and deep lakes, which are filled with weeds and dirt. If we have to boost this sport and put our state in the swimming map of India we shall have to construct at least one swimming pool of International size (50 x 21 meters with 1.8 meter depth) at Jammu and Srinagar each and some small pools in various districts. We have very good talent in the state but the facilities lack. It is observed that our state can produce best swimmers than the cricketers and hockey players etc. During summer thousands of children are seen swimming in the open lakes and rivers. Every year so many boys are reported to have drowned.
Personally, I feel that the swimming is the basis for all sports. It develops strength, endurance and flexibility. Swimming can do a lot for you such as it will relax you, bring an element of play into your life, bring solitude and freedom, bring you that satisfaction of personal achievement, will enhance your creativity, will put you in touch with elemental nature and give you confidence. In the way it tones you up physically, swimming is the safest, least painful journey to fitness, and hence another ticket to mental and emotional stability.
There are various kinds of swimming such as synchronized Swimming, Underwater Swimming, Long Distance Swimming etc.
Synchronized Swimming:
It is a figure (fancy) swimming. This is formation in which the swimmers make patterns in the water with bodies. The Federation Internationale De Natation Amateur (The International controlling body of swimming) has recognized it as an aquatic sport. Regular competitions are being held but it has not been introduced in India yet.
Underwater Swimming:
Underwater swimming is one of the most exciting, fascinating and adventurous of all water sports. With the help of some artificial aid like face mask, flippers, snorkel and oxygen cylinders the swimmers go in the bottom of the seas. They explore tropical fish, coral reefs and wrecks of sunken ships etc. in the deep seas. This adventurous sport has a very good potential in our state. The trained swimmers can explore the deep Manasbal Lake and the Wular, the largest lake in Asia. It is sure that there will be lot of remaining of our ancient kings in these lakes. This type of swimming can be dangerous. Swimmers must learn how to use their equipment properly and safely. They should begin with shallow lakes and pools.
Long Distance Swimming:
Long Distance Swimming takes place in many counties. It is also an adventurous and thrilling sport. This includes swimming rivers, lakes, straits and canals. The long distance swimmer usually remains in the water for many hours. During time he is watched and fed. Long distanced swimming is a team effort. The swimmer relies on the help of his trainer and the pilot of the accompanying boat. The pilot is very important. He knows the tides and currents in the area, and helps to choose the best swimming course. The trainer greases the swimmer before the start of the swim which helps to protect him against the cold water. During the swim he feeds the swimmer in the water. He uses a long pole with a clip on the end. The food is put into a container and held out to the swimmer. The swimmer’s equipment is carried in the pilot boat. He needs warm clothing and towels after his swim. Hot drinks and energy giving foods are given to the swimmer during the swim. The long distance swimming requires tremendous strength and endurance. The adventurer should have thick layer of body fat beneath his skin. Body fat is important in three ways. First, fat is a bad conductor of heat and acts like a blanket. Second, fat is less dense that water. It makes swimmer more buoyant. Because of this there is less resistance to movement through the water. Third, a natural store of fat forms a reservoir of energy. Swimmers can convert this fat into glucose which provides energy during swim.
This article was published in the magazine “Gulala” published by the Dean Students Welfare Office, University of Kashmir in December 1983
