Sajan Prakash: A Journey of Dedication and Milestones

A Champion in the Pool and Beyond

Early Life and Introduction to Swimming

Born on September 14, 1993, in Idukki, Kerala, Sajan Prakash was introduced to sports early on by his mother, V. Shantymol, a former track-and-field athlete. Growing up around a swimming pool at the organization where his mother worked, Sajan first dived in when he was just five years old. This early exposure sparked a passion for swimming, which soon became his life’s dedication.

Training and Early Career

Sajan initially trained at the Neyveli City Swimming Club in Tamil Nadu before moving to Bengaluru to train under the renowned coach Pradeep Kumar. Under Pradeep’s guidance, Sajan shifted his focus from short course swimming to long course events, particularly the 200m butterfly and medley, setting the foundation for his future success.

2014-2015: Rise to Prominence

Sajan represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, marking his entry onto the international stage. However, it was at the 2015 National Games in India where he truly made a name for himself, winning a record-breaking eight medals (six golds and two silvers) while representing Kerala. This achievement brought him national recognition and highlighted his potential.

2015-2016: International Training and Olympic Debut

In 2015, Sajan was awarded a FINA scholarship, allowing him to train in Thailand and refine his skills further. At the 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati, he won three gold medals in the men’s 200m butterfly, 1500m freestyle, and 4x200m relay. Later that year, Sajan made his Olympic debut at Rio 2016 under the universality quota, becoming the first Indian swimmer in the 200m butterfly event. Although he finished 28th in the heats and did not advance to the finals, this experience laid the groundwork for future achievements.

2017-2019: Continued Development and Challenges

Sajan continued to train rigorously in Thailand, honing his skills and building his endurance. His journey faced challenges, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted his training opportunities. However, Sajan remained determined, moving to Dubai to train with his longtime coach Pradeep Kumar, focusing on his goal of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

2021: Historic Qualification for Tokyo 2020

Sajan’s hard work paid off spectacularly in 2021. At the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome, he set a new national record in the men’s 200m butterfly with a time of 1:56.38 seconds, breaking the Olympic Qualification Time (OQT) of 1:56.48 seconds. This achievement made him the first Indian swimmer to win a direct qualification to the Olympics, a historic moment for Indian swimming. At the same event, Sajan also set national records in the 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle, showcasing his versatility and dedication.

Tokyo 2020: Making History

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Sajan Prakash became the first Indian swimmer to participate in two Olympic Games. Unlike his Rio debut, where he competed under the universality quota, his qualification for Tokyo was based on merit, marking a significant milestone for both Sajan and Indian swimming. His journey to Tokyo was a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport.

2022-2024: Post-Olympic Success and Continued Competitiveness

After the Tokyo Olympics, Sajan Prakash continued his competitive journey by participating in various international competitions and training camps to further enhance his performance. He remained focused on maintaining his form and staying competitive on the international stage. During this period, Sajan achieved notable successes, including a 5th place finish in the 200m butterfly at the 2024 Asian Games and winning nine medals at the 2023 National Games.

Sajan Prakash’s journey from a young boy diving into a pool to becoming a trailblazer in Indian swimming is a story of perseverance and passion. As he continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, his legacy in the pool and beyond is set to grow even strong.