JOIN USListing Niranjan Mukundan’s many achievements is an exhaustive process and even then, one is not sure of doing justice to the indefatigable spirit of this Bengaluru boy.
Niranjan was born with a medical condition called ‘Spina bifida’. Doctors advised him to take up swimming and it was at a swimming club in Bengaluru that the renowned coach John Christopher spotted him and took him under his wing. Now with a total of 27 international medals and over 100 state and national medals, the paralympic swimmer is now a global sensation and an inspiration for all.
Supported by Speedo India, Niranjan’s historic win at the recent IWAS World Junior Games has now made its way to the Limca Book of World Records. He reveals to
Rajitha Menon a lesser-known side of him.
What were the challenges you faced initially?
Not many knew about sports for the differently abled and the competitive level in para sports so it was difficult to get people to understand. Also, I have gone undergone 16 major surgeries since birth. Each time I was operated, I had to have bed rest for 4-6 months. It was very difficult to come out of it each time and take up this competitive sport again.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I never focus on the negative aspect of things nor do I sit back and take it easy after tasting victory. Every day is a fresh start and there is always something to improve on which keeps me moving and motivated.
What is a normal day in your life like?
Currently I am training under a Spanish Olympic coach Miguel Lopaz who has produced many Olympic and Paralympic medallists. Olympian Sajan Prakash is also training with me. Our training starts at 5 am and goes on till 7.30. In the evening, it starts at 4.45 and extends till 7.30. This is apart from one hour of gym in the afternoon.
Hobbies other than swimming?
I love listening to fast beats and am fond of watching movies whenever I get the time. I am also a huge cricket buff and make it a point to go to the stadium and watch matches with my friends, whenever it does not clash with my schedule.
What cheers you up the most?
The feeling when you represent your country at a global event and there are millions of people who are supporting you and praying you. That is the one feeling which cheers me and also inspires me to push myself.
Three things about you that people don’t know...
I am a big gadget freak and I love the latest gadgets. I have a habit of listening to loud music before my races. I once had a collection of 18 phone cases.
Advice to upcoming swimmers?
Do what you love and love what you do. That is my key to success.
Future plans?
I am currently training for the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games coming up in 2018.