Indian Paralympic swimmer Sharath M. Gayakwad, who is preparing to participate in the Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games and the Common Wealth Games, has got one-year sponsorship from the Infinite Computer Solutions, a corporate firm.
The 22-year-old swimmer with a deformed left arm participated in the 2012 London Paralympic Games where he finished ninth. He is also credited with being the Asian record holder in the 50m breaststroke and the 50m butterfly events for three years (2010-13) in a row.
Sharath M. Gayakwad took to swimming as it was compulsory in his school when he was in Class 4. John Christopher, his coach for nine years, said he did a lot of research and spoke to several coaches to find out how to train Sharath. “Initially it was difficult to train him as it is difficult to swim with one hand. We had a tough time figuring out the right strokes for him. Besides, swimming with one hand requires very good alignment,” Mr. Christopher said, adding that with time it became easy to work with Sharath as the latter is a “dedicated and a focussed student”. Sharath M. Gayakwad, who has come a long way in this career, said: “When I am in water, I want to make sure that I give my 100 per cent. It isn’t about winning a medal but about giving my best shot in water.”
Deciding to share his love for the sport with others, Sharath also trains 28 children between 6 and 9 years. “I want to motivate and ensure that a few of them take up swimming professionally,” he says with optimism in his eyes.
Besides participating in different championships, Sharath also trains 28 children aged between 6 and 9. “I want to motivate children to embrace swimming as a profession.”
