I had to undergo an operation at KEM Hospital, Mumbai when I was a year old. The doctors extracted some parts of the tumour but couldn't remove it completely due to high risk as the part where the tumour was situated was sensitive. After the operation, my blood circulation improved which helped my posture and I could sit and walk with support.
The doctor advised me to start swimming for body flexibility, normal blood circulation and fitness. I learnt swimming by the time I was four. Since then I have been swimming every day for an hour. The sport has helped my upper body gain strength.
At the age of 14, I was again operated on at Jaslok Hospital as the tumour seemed to have grown and it affected my legs. The surgery could not improve the condition as they couldn’t remove the tumour as a result my lower body became weak and insensitive. Even though it did not change me, I accepted how I was and moved on with life.
The 2018 State Paralympic championships at Kalyan, Mumbai was the first time that I was participating in a Para Swimming competition. It was a great learning experience and winning the medals in Breaststroke, Freestyle and Backstroke made me believe in myself.
He keeps an eye on my form and performance during the coaching sessions. He is spending a lot of time making sure I get all three strokes right and his dedication has had an everlasting impact on my career. He understands my physical incapabilities and gives me advice accordingly. He believes I can make it big in the upcoming events and also the Paralympics; he has been a great mentor and hopefully one day I shall fulfil his dream.
I have daily practice sessions along with a specific diet. After working on sessions, I make sure to get good rest, especially before competitions. I prepare myself by keeping my target in mind which is to participate in the Paralympics. The mental picture boosts me whenever I am under pressure. My family as well as my fellow athletes keep supporting me as it helps me deal with the tough times.
My message to my other physically challenged athletes is to accept their incapabilities and love themselves. Mental along with physical fitness can do wonders in bringing in confidence. Playing a sport has helped me overcome my personal hurdles, so we have to focus our energy on following our passion which should not deter us from getting what we want.
We should also be engaged in activities to keep ourselves busy. I have gained a lot of motivation in the past years although it was tough in the beginning. Gradually the process helped me to reach where I am today. Life is beautiful, live it to the fullest.
I wish to represent the country at the Paralympics and am working towards it step by step. One of my future goals is to become a coach and guide youngsters who are physically challenged.
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