Srihari Nataraj clinches fifth medal, Rohit B Benedicton bags silver in 50m butterfly at Asian Aquatics 2025

India’s swimming campaign at the Asian Aquatics Championships 2025 in Singapore reached a new high as Srihari Nataraj secured his fifth medal of the tournament, while teenage sensation Rohit B Benedicton stunned the field with a silver in the men’s 50m butterfly. The duo’s performances have propelled India into the top five of the overall medal tally, marking a historic run for the country in continental watersports.

Nataraj, 24, continued his dominance in backstroke events by winning bronze in the men’s 100m backstroke final with a time of 54.12 seconds, narrowly missing silver by just 0.08 seconds. This medal adds to his earlier haul of two golds and two silvers, making him India’s most decorated swimmer at a single Asian Aquatics meet.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Rohit B Benedicton delivered a breakout performance in the 50m butterfly, clocking 23.98 seconds to finish second behind Japan’s Naoki Mizunuma. The Chennai-born swimmer, who trains under coach Pradeep Kumar at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre, became the youngest Indian to win a medal in a sprint butterfly event at the Asian level.

India’s Medal Tally – Asian Aquatics Championships 2025 (as of Oct 1)

Nataraj’s medal streak has drawn praise from across the sporting fraternity. “Srihari is redefining Indian swimming. His consistency across distances and formats is world-class,” said Virdhawal Khade, former Olympian and national record holder.

Rohit’s silver, however, stole the spotlight on Day 4. Known for his explosive starts and underwater kicks, Rohit surged ahead in the first 25 meters and held off a late charge from South Korea’s Jihoon Kim to secure second place. His timing of 23.98 seconds is now the second-fastest ever by an Indian in the 50m butterfly, behind only Sajan Prakash’s 23.85.

Rohit B Benedicton – Performance Breakdown in 50m Butterfly

Speaking after the race, Rohit said, “I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was 10. To win silver for India at this level is surreal. I want to keep pushing and break the 23.80 barrier next season.”

India’s overall performance at the Asian Aquatics 2025 has been its best in history, with a total of 8 medals so far. The team’s success is being attributed to improved infrastructure, international exposure, and the emergence of young talent from Tier 2 cities.

India’s Swimming Surge – Key Drivers of Success

Social media has erupted in celebration of India’s aquatic success, with hashtags like #SrihariNataraj, #RohitBenedicton, and #AsianAquatics2025 trending across platforms. Fans and former athletes have hailed the performances as a turning point for Indian swimming.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on India’s Swimming Success

With three more days of competition left, India is eyeing podium finishes in the 100m freestyle, 200m individual medley, and mixed relays. Srihari Nataraj is expected to compete in the 100m freestyle, while Rohit will return for the 100m butterfly.

As India’s swimmers continue to make waves in Singapore, the nation watches with pride and anticipation. The rise of athletes like Srihari and Rohit signals a new chapter in Indian aquatics—one defined by speed, spirit, and a hunger for global excellence.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available championship results, verified athlete interviews, and expert commentary. It does not constitute official federation communication or athlete endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.