Bangalore: 'Team Speedo' India, that launched in April this year, continue to expand their team to include talented swimmer Shivani Kataria, who was recently announced as the female swimmer to represent India at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She joins the likes of fellow South Asian Games gold medallist Damini Gowda and Paralympic hopeful Suyash Jadhav. She becomes the third female swimmer in history to represent India at the Olympics.

"Team Speedo India is part of an elite group of athletes globally who always aspire towards excellence. We are delighted to welcome Shivani to this very elite group of swimmers, and believe that she will fit right in. We hope that the support we extend to her will enable her to deliver her best performance in water while in Brazil," said Shamir Genomal, Cheif Strategy Officer, Speedo India, while welcoming the Olympic hopeful to the Speedo team.

Holding the national record in the 200m Freestyle event (2:04.34), Shivani will compete in the same event at the Olympics. Her most recent achievements include an impressive haul of medals at the South Asian Games in Guwahati held in February earlier this year. She won one gold, one silver and one bronze in the 200m, 400m and 100m Freestyle events respectively. Her performance at the 2015 National Games saw her return with two golds and a silver in the 100m, 200m and 50m Freestyle events respectively. Her other notable appearances include participation at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia and the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

Commenting on her inclusion to Team Speedo, India, Shivani said, "I am delighted that Speedo India has decided to extend their support to my pursuits in the swimming pool. I think their backing, is also a great positive for swimming in India and I am excited to be a part of Team Speedo India as I prepare for the Olympics."