(June 22, 2022) Roadblocks and setbacks are a test of true grit and perseverance. If we can rise to overcome them, they become stories that can inspire others, too. Niranjan Mukundan, Indian para-swimmer and the country’s ‘golden boy’, story is one of these. Born in Bengaluru with spina bifida (a condition in which the spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly) and clubbed feet, the Indian para-swimmer rose above nearly insurmountable odds to pursue his passion for swimming. In 2015, he was crowned Junior World Champion at the World Junior Games and also received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Prahasti.
A year of triumphs
India’s ‘golden boy’ has had a busy year, packed with both victory and loss. He missed the finals list at the Tokyo Paralympics 2022, he brought home a gold, silver and bronze in different categories at the Para Swimming Cup 2022 in Prague and the bronze at the Championnat de France. For the self-professed travel junkie, his passion has made his dreams come true.
He speaks to Global Indian from Madeira, Portugal, where the World Para Winning Championships 2022 are currently taking place. It’s been a victorious run already. Niranjan has broken two national records on Day 1 and Day 2. “I was introduced to swimming as a form of therapy,” Niranjan explains. “I was born with spina bifida and have undergone 19 surgeries on my legs and back since the time I was born. Aqua therapy was meant to strengthen my muscles but I fell in love with the water and learned the sport quickly.” When he entered the water, he found, for the very first time, a sense of freedom. “I was able to move around easily. Children usually take around 20 days to learn how to swim but I did so in 12 or 13 days.”
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Birmingham 2022 and miles to go from there
For the last six months, Niranjan Mukundan has shuttled between Thailand and the National Training Centre in Germany, where he’s preparing for his debut at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. “I qualified in 2014 but was injured just before the event and couldn’t take part.” In 2018, his event category wasn’t included in the games. “I’m really excited to be participating,” he gushes. “I will give it my best shot.”
He has already put the spotlight on the sport but the young Indian para-swimmer believes the country has a long way to go in terms of equipping its para-talent. “We are getting recognition but it’s not yet fully what we deserve,” he says. “People still need awareness about Paralympic athletes and support us more. It will be a big morale boost. Over the years, we para-athletes have done extremely well on the global stage, winning medals and bringing laurels to the country. Still, we lack sponsorships and brand endorsements within the country. We no longer need sympathy. It’s about time we give talent the credit that it is due.”
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Raising the bar, always
Niranjan Mukundan believes the bar can never be set too high but he has already come a long, long way from being a happy child who loved to swim, to being a rising star. He is the first Indian para-swimmer to win over 85 international medals representing India. He also holds the highest number of Asian records – a total of seven. He was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, in the Game Changers category.
One day at a time
“I am a travel junkie and my profession takes me around the globe,” he says. He has visited nearly 40 countries and “loves meeting new people and being part of the exchange of cultures. It’s very beautiful when you experience it.”
He’s also an “adventure freak,” he says. “I love doing things that people feel are beyond me. That includes a recent skydiving experience from 14,000 feet in Switzerland.”
That said, he likes to take one day at a time, and keep his sights firmly on the future, while enjoying the present moment. Right now, that includes the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Paris 2024.
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A dream like no other
The 27-year-old has always dreamt big and through sheer determination, it has worked out in his favour. “A lot of people didn’t believe I could ever be independent. However, I like to think of every challenge as a push to where I’ve always wanted to be.” He also hopes to be the most-decorated Indian para-swimmer of all time. “I think my love for the sport, as well as the pride of representing my country at the highest levels keeps me going,” he says.
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