SWIMMERS HEAD TO 25M WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Khader Baqlah leads Jordan’s team competing in the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Windsor, Canada.

Baqlah, 18, has enjoyed an outstanding year, smashing Jordan records in the 50m pool and producing a fine showing at the summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

But attention this week turns to the smaller pool where another set of Jordan records will be in his sights.

Joining Baqlah in Canada are rising stars Rahaf Baqleh and Dara Al Bakry who are looking to gain some big championship pool experience with an eye on breaking Jordan’s age group records.

Jordan returns to the short course championships, following a break of several years, in order to keep their quota with FINA. Failing to compete would result in FINA stopping the grants for any travel and accommodation assistance in the future.

For this championships, the world body is providing around 80% of the cost of one coach and the three swimmers.

Head coach Dr. Ali Al-Nawaiseh is already in Canada with the team and will be joined by two members of the board - Mr. Maher Mahfouz (Vice President) and Mr. Andre Khoury (Member).

Over 1,000 swimmers are expected to take part from 176 countries.