<p>Though his passion for swimming started late in life, Chandan Singh, a final-year B.Com student of MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, has swum his way to various glories. <br /><br /></p>.<p>He was studying in class tenth in Raigarh when he observed a number of people swimming in his father’s company’s recreational club. “That time, I used to get into the water for fun,” he says. “Sarah, a South African world class champion, had come for a visit and was training people at the club how to swim,” he recalls. <br /><br />Slowly, his interest in swimming grew and his coach Balram took him for a tournament. “I was a beginner at that time and was amazed at the capabilities of the participants. I asked sir how could people swim so fast! He told me I could do it too if I believed in myself,” explains Chandan. By the time he was in class eleven, Chandan’s skills started to shine through. <br /><br />He started winning various competitions in Chhattisgarh. He recalls a particular experience which reinforced his belief that if one sets his or her heart on something, one can achieve anything. <br /><br />“At one of the state-level tournaments in Chhattisgarh, I was supposed to take part in 800 metres freestyle. But when we reached there, we realised that the event had been cancelled. I started crying to my coach. I took part in the 400 metres event but won bronze and wasn’t happy,” he notes. <br /><br />“Then my coached advised me to take part in the 1500 metres freestyle and told me to believe in myself. So I just jumped into the pool and gave it my best! As I came <br />out of the pool, I just wasn’t able to stand. But I was the happiest as I had emerged the winner,” he gushes. <br /><br />In Bangalore too, Chandan has won many tournaments. “I want to become even <br />better at it so whenever any tournament is held, I make it a point to take part in it. I have won a gold and two silver medals at a national-level tournament conducted by Jain College. I also won a silver at an international-level tournament held by the Bangalore University,” he informs. <br /><br />However, no achievement comes easy. Chandan is up at 4.30 am everyday and goes for a job and to the gym before going to college.<br /><br /> In the evening, he works out again before going for a swim between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm.<br /><br /> “I have a very hectic schedule but a good support system. Besides, I have a do or die attitude towards everything be it swimming or academics. I can spend all night studying if I want to,” he says. <br /><br />Chandan’s aim now is to win as many medals as possible for the country. “I also want to clear the UPSC exams,” he says.<br /><br /> According to him, it’s never too late in life to pursue your passion. “As someone who started late, I can assure people that if you are hardworking, there is no way you will not succeed,” he sums up. </p>
<p>Though his passion for swimming started late in life, Chandan Singh, a final-year B.Com student of MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, has swum his way to various glories. <br /><br /></p>.<p>He was studying in class tenth in Raigarh when he observed a number of people swimming in his father’s company’s recreational club. “That time, I used to get into the water for fun,” he says. “Sarah, a South African world class champion, had come for a visit and was training people at the club how to swim,” he recalls. <br /><br />Slowly, his interest in swimming grew and his coach Balram took him for a tournament. “I was a beginner at that time and was amazed at the capabilities of the participants. I asked sir how could people swim so fast! He told me I could do it too if I believed in myself,” explains Chandan. By the time he was in class eleven, Chandan’s skills started to shine through. <br /><br />He started winning various competitions in Chhattisgarh. He recalls a particular experience which reinforced his belief that if one sets his or her heart on something, one can achieve anything. <br /><br />“At one of the state-level tournaments in Chhattisgarh, I was supposed to take part in 800 metres freestyle. But when we reached there, we realised that the event had been cancelled. I started crying to my coach. I took part in the 400 metres event but won bronze and wasn’t happy,” he notes. <br /><br />“Then my coached advised me to take part in the 1500 metres freestyle and told me to believe in myself. So I just jumped into the pool and gave it my best! As I came <br />out of the pool, I just wasn’t able to stand. But I was the happiest as I had emerged the winner,” he gushes. <br /><br />In Bangalore too, Chandan has won many tournaments. “I want to become even <br />better at it so whenever any tournament is held, I make it a point to take part in it. I have won a gold and two silver medals at a national-level tournament conducted by Jain College. I also won a silver at an international-level tournament held by the Bangalore University,” he informs. <br /><br />However, no achievement comes easy. Chandan is up at 4.30 am everyday and goes for a job and to the gym before going to college.<br /><br /> In the evening, he works out again before going for a swim between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm.<br /><br /> “I have a very hectic schedule but a good support system. Besides, I have a do or die attitude towards everything be it swimming or academics. I can spend all night studying if I want to,” he says. <br /><br />Chandan’s aim now is to win as many medals as possible for the country. “I also want to clear the UPSC exams,” he says.<br /><br /> According to him, it’s never too late in life to pursue your passion. “As someone who started late, I can assure people that if you are hardworking, there is no way you will not succeed,” he sums up. </p>