‘Make distinction between recreational and competitive swimming’ Updated: Updated: Swimmers upset over their sport becoming a ‘soft target’ when it comes to COVID-19 curbs Share Article Swimmers upset over their sport becoming a ‘soft target’ when it comes to COVID-19 curbs Swimmers, including Tokyo Olympics hopeful Srihari Nataraj, are upset that their sport has become a soft target when it comes to COVID-19 restrictions. The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) has repeatedly appealed to the government to make a distinction between recreational and competitive swimming. Public pools with lax COVID-19 safety guidelines could be a concern, but competitive swimming training — guarded by strict rules and oversight — poses no threat, the SFI explained. “There is no distinction being made between recreational and competitive swimming. Athletes who are currently training should be allowed to continue,” veteran swimming coach and Dronacharya Award winner Nihar Ameen said.