The serene banks of the river Mandovi in Goa witnessed a significant aquatic milestone in 1987 when the Campal Swimming Pool emerged as the state’s first Olympic-sized pool, a testament to Goa’s growing love for swimming and water sports. This iconic pool was the brainchild of the Sports Authority of Goa, envisioned to nurture talent and promote the art of swimming. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the inspiring journey of Campal Swimming Pool and the remarkable coach who shaped the destiny of aspiring swimmers, the renowned Sports Authority of India coach, Thomas Jose.
Campal Swimming Pool: The Birth of Excellence Campal Swimming Pool’s inception marked a turning point in Goa’s aquatic history. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Mandovi, this state-of-the-art facility quickly became the heart of Goa’s swimming community. But its journey from an idea to reality wasn’t without its challenges.
The driving force behind Campal Swimming Pool’s success was none other than coach Thomas Jose. A retired Sports Authority of India (SAI) coach for the Goa State, Coach Jose brought not just experience but also an unwavering passion for the sport. His journey began as an ex-airforceman, and he honed his skills at the prestigious National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala. With certifications from the World Swimming Body, FINA, Coach Jose had all the right ingredients to nurture future swimming champions.
Coach Jose’s dedication to his craft was palpable to anyone who visited Campal Swimming Pool. Clad in track pants, clutching a stopwatch, and with a whistle around his neck, he paced the poolside with a sense of purpose. His authoritative commands and shouts resonated with his deep commitment to training the next generation of swimmers.
Under Coach Jose’s tutelage, Goa’s swimmers achieved remarkable feats both at national and international levels. Notable students like Tashina Singh, Nisha Madgavkar, and Talasha Prabhu went on to proudly represent India, bringing home medals and accolades.
Long-Distance Swimming Triumphs Campal Swimming Pool became synonymous with long-distance swimming excellence. Swimmers coached by Thomas Jose undertook impressive journeys:
- Kenneth Coelho, Amit Fernandes, and Nisha Madgavkar conquered the Kandola to Captain of Port Jetty swim (Panjim, 1988).
- Amit Fernandes, Kenneth Coelho, and Nisha Madgavkar undertook the Zuari Bridge to Mandovi Bridge swim (28 km, 1988).
- Nisha Madgavkar, Amit Fernandes, and Kenneth Coelho achieved the Dharamdar to Gateway of India swim (36 km, 1989).
- Talasha Prabhu, Akshada Godinho, Sahil Naik, Varun Chico, and Mayuresh Desai covered the MPT Vasco-Panjim Captain of Ports Jetty swim (28 km, 2006).
- Nihal Chico, Clarissa D’Souza, and Rounak Pai took on the same MPT Vasco-Panjim Captain of Ports Jetty swim (28 km, 2008).
Campal Swimming Pool has left an indelible mark on Goa’s swimming culture, thanks to Coach Thomas Jose’s guidance and the dedication of generations of swimmers. It continues to be a hub for champions and aspiring talents, nurturing the aquatic legacy of Goa. As we dive into the clear waters of Campal, we salute the spirit of excellence and commitment that has defined this iconic pool.
Ready to embark on your own aquatic journey? Join Goa Swim Club and experience the rich swimming heritage of Goa. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, we have the right classes to help you make waves in the water.
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