Khade qualifies for 2012 London Olympics

Virdhawal Khade clocked 50.34s in the 100m freestyle event at the 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai.

New Delhi: Virdhawal Khade on Wednesday became the second Indian swimmer to qualify for next year`s London Olympics by clocking 50.34s in the 100m freestyle event at the 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai.

Khade thus joined Sandeep Sejwal, who had earlier qualified for the 100m breaststroke event in the London Games. Competing in heat nine, Khade could not make the semifinals but managed to cross the qualifying mark. He covered the 50m distance in 24.08s. He finished tied 41st overall out of 105 competitors. Sharath Gayakwad has also qualified for the London Paralympics in the 100m breaststroke event. PTI