National Games: Chennai girl becomes youngest swimmer to win medal

RANCHI - Chennai girl A.V. Jayveena Tuesday became the youngest swimmer in the history of National Games to win medals.

The 12-year-old Jayveena, representing Tamil Nadu, won bronzes in the 200 meters breaststroke and relay. In breaststroke, Jayveena competed with experienced Delhi girl Richa Mishra, who has won four gold medals in the meet so far.

Jayaveena’s father Thalai Vassal Vijay was proud of his daughter’s achievement.

“It is a great feeling being father of Jayveena. My daughter started swimming when she was just two-and-a-half years old. She is professionally training in a Chennai institute,” Vijay told IANS.

Asked about Jayaveena future plans, Vijay said: “She has to go a long way. She has just started her carrier. We are trying our best for the 2012 Olympics.”