Hyderabad: India's star para-swimmer Suyash Jadhav, who won a gold in Asian Para Games in 2018 along with two bronze medals and Silver in 2016 German Swimming Championship, in an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat opened up about his journey from a tragic accident to achieving new highs in para-swimming.
Q. How was the feeling of winning the first-ever gold for India in Asian Para Games?
A: It was my first international gold medal and India's first gold in the history of Asian Para Games. I think it was a huge moment for me as well as for the country. That achievement made me feel proud to be an Indian. It was really a great experience.
Q. Tell us about the tragic accident that happened where you lost both your hands? Did you fight depression after the accident?
A: I was in 6th standard in 2004. My family and I were at a marriage ceremony of my cousin. I was playing on the terrace of the hall where the marriage was going to take place. I touch an open wire which was conducting current with an iron rod. Both my hands were paralysed and in the end, doctors decided to amputate my hands below the elbow.
At that time when the accident took place, I was very young and I did not realise what has happened to me. I was not into depression but my family suffered a lot. I was really sad that I lost both my hands of course but I did not face depression. I did not take any special aid to get out of the trauma. I slowly became independent and started doing my daily chores on my own. and one day I was totally independent.
Q. You have said that your father was has helped you a lot in your journey and he was also your first swimming coach. Tell us about your father, who was also a national level swimmer?
A: In 1978 he (Suyash's father) was selected as for the national swimming competition but due to some problem the competition was cancelled. His dreams were shattered and he wanted me to fulfil his dream of winning the gold for India. My father was my first coach he taught me the basics of swimming.
Q. Tell us about your fitness routine and how is it different from other swimmers?
A: I do running. I do pushup after wearing boxing gloves. I can do normal gym work out as well. I had to modify it by my way but I do it anyway. I do a little bit of upper body work out and focus on the lower body a lot.
There is a fix fitness session before and after the swimming that we do daily. Other than that Wednesday and Saturday are assigned for fitness in the week.
I am actually a sprinter and there is a specific diet for the sprinters, which has a balance of both proteins and calories. Fish, chicken are mainly in my diet. And I also have a cheat meal day in a week.
Q. Almost the entire world was in lockdown due to the COVI-19 pandemic. Many sportspersons are finding it difficult to keep themselves fit. How are you managing it?
A: All the swimming polls were shut which affected me and all the other swimmers very badly. but I did not give up and continued with a bit of home work out. I have found what kind of running will help me with swimming and I used to do all those in the lockdown.
Q. India is a cricket-loving nation. Do you think that cricket overshadows other sports and what changes are required to make way for other sports at a big level?
A: Many people won't like my opinion on this but there is a huge difference between the cash prize that we get and the cash prize that the cricketers get. This difference is a big problem.
Another thing which is also very important is that they are well trained in the camps provided by the association but on the other hand there is nothing like that in the swimming. We should back more players from other sports to play the World level competition.
Talking about swimming particularly, there are many changes required for the differently-abled swimmers. There should be ramps for them in every pool. If there is any blind swimmer then we must send an escort with him. If these things are changed then very soon we will reach the success that cricket has in the country.
Media also plays a big role in the development of sports in the country we don't get that much attention from media, which should change.
Q: Which are the sports personalities you follow the most?
A: If you are talking about swimming particularly than Michel Philips is one. Overall I like Usain Bolt, I even follow Virat Kohli. For discipline and consistency, I like Sachin Tendulkar.
Q: Tokyo Olympics got postpone for a year, how did that affect your training?
A: It is obvious that it has affected not just me but all other at least who are preparing for the mega event. But I took it in a positive way and improved my fitness. I am gearing up for gold and I will try my level best to win the gold.
Q: You are a true inspiration for many budding swimmers in the country. What message would you like to give them?
A: One thing that I have followed throw out my life is ' Think of what you have, Don't think about what you don't have.' Follow your passion and you will get success. Only hard work and nothing else can get you on the top.
