By: Express News ServiceAhmedabad | Updated: September 29, 2025 12:49 AM IST 2 min readThe CM welcomed athletes from 29 countries to Ahmedabad, and highlighted India’s long and proud association with aquatics.(X/@Bhupendrapbjp)Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday inaugurated the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship at the newly constructed Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, said an official release. The CM was accompanied by Minister of State for Sports Harsh Sanghavi among others, it added. The championship will continue till October 11.Quoting the CM at the inauguration ceremony, the release stated, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has successfully built a robust sports culture and world-class infrastructure.”It said that the CM expressed pride that Gujarat has been entrusted with hosting the 11th Asian Aquatics Championship. “Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, India’s sports sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade,” he said, according to the release.The CM further said, “This is the most promising era for young athletes with abundant opportunities now within their reach.”Quoting the CM, the release also stated, “Guided by the PM, a National Sports Policy is taking shape, and a comprehensive ecosystem is being built — from the grassroots to the Olympic level. As a result, sporting talent is finding the right platforms, enabling India to nurture and produce world-class athletes.”The CM welcomed athletes from 29 countries to Ahmedabad, and highlighted India’s long and proud association with aquatics. From the London Olympics in 1948 to the present, Indian swimmers have consistently represented the nation in global competitions, he said. He also commended the outstanding contributions of the country’s finest swimmers.Speaking about the sports infrastructure in the state, the CM said that under the guidance of PM Modi, sports facilities have progressively developed in Gujarat. The CM also highlighted the achievements of Gujarat’s successful swimmers.Story continues below this adOn the occasion, as per the release, the CM remembered freedom fighter Veer Savarkar and said that he was a skilled swimmer. Quoting the CM, the release said that naming the state-of-the-art sports complex after Savarkar was a befitting tribute to his unique swimming skills.Sanghavi stated that the event is being held for the first time in India, according to the release. Sanghavi remarked that this championship strengthens Gujarat’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Bhupendra Patel