<p>Listing 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <br />Rajitha Menon a lesser-known side of him.<br /><br />What were the challenges you faced initially?<br />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. <br /><br />How do you keep yourself motivated?<br />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.<br /><br />What is a normal day in your life like?<br />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.<br /><br />Hobbies other than swimming?<br />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. <br /><br />What cheers you up the most?<br />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.<br /><br />Three things about you that people don’t know...<br />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. <br /><br />Advice to upcoming swimmers?<br />Do what you love and love what you do. That is my key to success. <br /><br />Future plans?<br />I am currently training for the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games coming up in 2018.</p>
<p>Listing 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <br />Rajitha Menon a lesser-known side of him.<br /><br />What were the challenges you faced initially?<br />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. <br /><br />How do you keep yourself motivated?<br />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.<br /><br />What is a normal day in your life like?<br />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.<br /><br />Hobbies other than swimming?<br />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. <br /><br />What cheers you up the most?<br />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.<br /><br />Three things about you that people don’t know...<br />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. <br /><br />Advice to upcoming swimmers?<br />Do what you love and love what you do. That is my key to success. <br /><br />Future plans?<br />I am currently training for the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games coming up in 2018.</p>
