Balaga Ganesh: From para swimming to international open-water challenges

(Oct 14, 2026) From a childhood shaped by polio to demanding open-water swimming expeditions across international waters, Balaga Ganesh has built a sporting career alongside nearly 15 years of coaching and his work as a government school teacher in Andhra Pradesh.

On September 12, 2026, Balaga Ganesh completed an approximately 12-kilometre open-water swimming expedition across Lake Constance, from Germany to Switzerland, in five hours. The crossing, which he describes as a world-record achievement, marked another milestone in the journey of the para swimmer from Andhra Pradesh.

The swim began under favourable conditions, with the water temperature at around 22°C. However, the weather changed as he progressed, bringing stronger winds and bigger waves that made the crossing increasingly difficult.

“For the first two hours, I maintained a steady pace and swam almost on schedule,” says Ganesh in a chat with The Global Indian. The changing conditions tested his endurance, but he continued swimming.

“It was a real challenge but I did not give up,” he says.

Throughout the expedition, his support team accompanied him by boat, monitoring his physical and mental condition. After five hours in the water, Ganesh reached the opposite shore and proudly held the Indian flag.

The Lake Constance expedition adds to his experience in international open-water swimming, following his crossing of the Palk Strait in 2025 and participation in an English Channel relay the same year.

From pool swimming to open water

Ganesh’s journey into swimming began in 2004, when a well-wisher introduced him to para swimming. Until then, his childhood had been shaped by the limitations imposed by polio.

He was in Class 3 when he suffered a severe fever that lasted nearly two weeks. The illness left his right leg affected by polio, changing the course of his life.

His disability meant he depended heavily on his parents and others for many daily activities. While other children participated in sports, he often sat alone watching them play. The experience was painful, but his introduction to swimming opened up new possibilities.

Swimming gave me confidence, independence and a purpose.

Balaga Ganesh

With regular practice, Ganesh progressed from a beginner to a competitive para swimmer, earning medals at national championships. At the 12th Para National Swimming Championship in Chennai in 2012, he won gold in the 200-metre individual medley, silver in the 100-metre backstroke and bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke.

The following year, at the 13th Para National Swimming Championship in Bengaluru, he won gold in the 100-metre breaststroke and silver medals in both the 200-metre individual medley and 100-metre freestyle.

He continued his national-level participation at the 14th Para National Swimming Championship in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 2014, winning gold in the 100-metre breaststroke, silver in the 200-metre individual medley and bronze in the 100-metre freestyle.

After a break in the listed championship record, he competed at the 21st Para National Swimming Championship in Bengaluru in 2021 and the 22nd edition in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where he won silver in the 50-metre breaststroke.

He also participated in a 200-metre running event in Faridabad, Haryana, winning a silver medal.

“What once seemed like a limitation became the beginning of a new journey,” says Ganesh. Over time, his swimming career expanded beyond competitive pool events to international open-water expeditions that demand sustained endurance and preparation.

Across the Palk Strait and English Channel

On April 18, 2025, Ganesh completed the Palk Strait swimming expedition from Sri Lanka to India, covering approximately 28 kilometres in 10 hours and 40 minutes.

“This achievement was a historic milestone for me as a para swimmer from Andhra Pradesh,” he says.

Two months later, on June 16, 2025, he participated in an English Channel swimming expedition from England to France as part of a six-member relay team.

“Crossing the English Channel presented enormous physical and mental challenges because of the cold water, strong currents, long-distance swimming and unpredictable conditions,” he says.

The expeditions marked a significant expansion of his sporting experience, taking him from competitive pool swimming to challenging open-water environments.

Such swims require more than the ability to cover long distances. Water temperatures, currents, weather and the duration of exposure place considerable demands on swimmers, making preparation and endurance essential.

The discipline behind the swims

Behind Ganesh’s achievements are years of consistent training. He says he regularly trains for four to six hours a day, often practising in a small village pond.

Preparing for international open-water expeditions presents particular challenges because of the cold water temperatures, which he says generally range from 14°C to 18°C during such swims.

“Swimming for several hours in such conditions requires exceptional physical and mental endurance,” he says.

His disability can also make training difficult. At times, he experiences pain in his affected leg, particularly during intensive sessions.

Despite difficulties due to my physical condition, I continue to train with determination and never allow temporary pain or challenging circumstances to stop me from pursuing my goals.

Balaga Ganesh

His routine includes swimming, fitness and endurance exercises. He also follows a planned diet to support his training, physical fitness and recovery.

“Maintaining discipline in food, training and rest is essential for preparing for long-distance and international open-water swimming expeditions,” he says.

Ganesh’s preparation is not confined to the pool or pond. It also involves managing his time and energy alongside his professional responsibilities.

From Andhra Pradesh to the classroom

Born on June 10, 1987, in Donkalapartha village in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, Ganesh grew up in a family that faced financial hardship.

His father, Lakshman Naidu, who passed away in August 2021, and his mother, Lakshmi, worked as daily-wage agricultural labourers to support the family. His mother is now a homemaker, while his younger brother, Anantha Rao, runs a small business.

“Both my parents came from poor families and worked as daily-wage agricultural labourers to support our family and provide us with basic necessities and education,” Ganesh says.

He began his schooling at MPP School in his native village, where he studied from Class 1 to Class 5. He later attended Navodaya Model School in Palakonda up to Class 8.

Financial difficulties prompted the family to move from Donkalapartha to Vijayawada in search of better opportunities. Ganesh completed Class 10 at Sarada Vidya Niketan, followed by his Intermediate education at Sarada Junior College and a degree at Sarada Degree College, both in Vijayawada.

“Despite these challenges, my parents’ sacrifices and determination inspired me to continue my education and work towards building a better future,” he says.

His professional journey also included formal training in swimming coaching. During 2010 and 2011, he pursued a Diploma in Sports Swimming Coaching at NS-NIS, Bengaluru.

Before entering government service, Ganesh worked as an NIS diploma-qualified swimming coach with the District Sports Authority in Eluru. He says he spent approximately 15 years coaching and mentoring young swimmers, helping identify and develop talent and supporting athletes who went on to compete at state and national levels.

The experience strengthened his coaching skills and reinforced the importance of discipline, perseverance and consistent effort.

In September 2025, he received an appointment through the sports quota as a government school teacher at a school in Kusumuru village, Seethampeta mandal, Parvathipuram Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh.

The school is located in a remote, hilly area, and the daily commute adds another responsibility to his schedule.

“I travel approximately 90 kilometres every day, up and down, between my village and the school where I work,” says Ganesh, who teaches elementary classes from Class 1 to Class 5.

“I have the opportunity to educate, guide and motivate young children.”

Balancing teaching and training

Becoming a government school teacher has not brought Ganesh’s swimming career to a halt. He continues to train before and after school, maintaining a routine that demands careful management of his time.

“Every morning, I wake up early and train from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. I regularly practise swimming, fitness and endurance training in a village pond, despite the limited facilities available,” he says.

After completing his school duties, he dedicates his evenings to training again.

His experience as a coach has also shaped his understanding of what it takes to develop as an athlete. Over the years, he has worked with young swimmers, helping them build their skills and prepare for competition.

He credits his first swimming coach, S Tirumalai Kumar, an international para-swimming medallist who works with Indian Railways in Vijayawada, for guiding him during his early years.

“Under his guidance, I began regular training at Gandhi Nagar Sir Vizzy Swimming Pool, Vijayawada,” he says.

Ganesh also acknowledges the contribution of his other coaches, including Dr VK Dabas, Satendra Singh Lohiya and his friend and coach Tulasi Chaitanya, an award-winning swimmer.

Their guidance has been an important part of his development as a swimmer and coach.

The road ahead

Ganesh’s next major goal is to achieve the President’s Award for outstanding achievement in open-water adventure events.

I want to continue challenging myself through difficult and prestigious open-water swimming expeditions, represent India with pride, and create greater recognition for Indian para swimmers on the international stage.

Balaga Ganesh

Beyond personal achievement, he hopes his journey will encourage other persons with disabilities and young athletes to identify their strengths and pursue their ambitions.

“Every person with a disability has a special talent, ability or qualification within them. The key is to identify it, develop it through regular practice and believe in oneself,” he says.

His own journey, from a childhood in which he watched other children play to participating in demanding international swimming expeditions, reflects the role that opportunity, training and sustained effort can play in developing an athlete.

“One should not focus on what they cannot do. Find out what you can do, identify your talent, practise it with dedication and never give up,” he says.

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