Panaji: A non-competitive, global swimming programme, 'Michael Phelps Swimming', promoted by the Olympic gold medal champion, was launched in India, with the aim to promote the sport.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday at the launch of the programme, the US Olympic champions' sister, Hilary Phelps, said that the swimming programme was designed on techniques practiced by Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Phelps has won 22 medals, including 18 golds.

"'Michael Phelps Swimming' is aimed at promoting safe swimming by using the same techniques and philosophy that made Michael the world's top swimmer," Phelps said at the launch of the programme in association with the Goa-based Terrapin Swimming Academy.

"'Michael Phelps Swimming' instructors are what make this swim school special. In addition to any existing certifications and credentials, every MP Swim School instructor is trained in a proprietary MP Swim School instructor course. This ensures consistency in teaching the Michael Phelps way of swimming," Hilary Phelps told IANS.

The programme is for all ages and abilities, and taught in over 30 states in the US and over 20 countries. In Goa, the swimming programme is offered at three locations.

"Michael was scared of the water when he started swimming at the North Baltimore Swim School. It was there that he learned water safety and overcame his fear of water. Now, after many accomplishments, both in and out of the water, he is able to invest in the very programme that taught him," she said.

"We believe that quality instruction is not just based on the basic motor skills of kicking, stroking, and rhythmic breathing… In addition, we feel that our swimmers need to understand the properties of the water and have certain body positions, which help breathe rhythmically and achieve balance in the water," Hilary Phelps added.

(IANS)