KNOW YOUR SWIMMER: Sajan Prakash ,India

KNOW YOUR SWIMMER:Sajan Prakash ,India

Sajan Prakash, a trailblazer in Indian swimming, has earned his place among the nation’s finest athletes. As the first Indian swimmer to achieve the Olympic ‘A’ qualification standard, his dedication and achievements continue to inspire the next generation. In this edition of Know Your Swimmer, we dive into his incredible journey and milestones, celebrating his contribution to the sport.

• Historic Achievement: First Indian swimmer to secure a direct qualification to the Olympics.
• National Record:
  • At the 2021 Sette Colli Trophy in Rome, clocked 1:56.38 seconds in the men’s 200m butterfly.
  • Broke the Olympic Qualification Time (OQT) of 1:56.48 seconds, earning a spot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• Dual Olympian:
  • Competed at Rio 2016 through the universality quota.
  • Became the first Indian swimmer to participate in two Olympic Games with his direct qualification for Tokyo 2020.
• Milestone for Indian Swimming:
  • Tokyo qualification marked a first in Indian swimming history.
  • Symbolized years of dedication and relentless hard work.
• Early Life:
  • Born on September 14, 1993, in Idukki, Kerala.
  • Introduced to sports by his mother, V. Shantymol, a former track-and-field athlete.
• Introduction to Swimming:
  • Took his first dive at the age of five in a pool at his mother’s workplace.
  • Developed a lifelong passion and dedication to swimming.

Sajan Prakash’s achievements reflect his trailblazing role in Indian swimming and his dedication to excellence on the global stage.