Sharath Gayakwad interview: "What we lack are the infrastructure and facilities"

It is true what they say; when the goal is in sight, all your physical pain disappears, and your mind carries you the rest of the way. Sharath M Gayakwad became the first ever swimmer to qualify for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London. He has represented India at various national and international swimming events. He won two Golds, four Silvers and one Bronze at the IWAS World Games, 2009.He has also won 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals at the 2011 International Deutsche Meisterschaften (IDM) Swimming Championships in Berlin, Germany. He is also an Asian record holder in his two events i.e. 50m Butterfly and 50m Breast stroke.

We had a chance to interview this inspiring sports-person. Here is Sharath Gayakwad in an exclusive interview with SportsKeeda:

1. How and when did you decide to become a professional swimmer?

I decided to become a professional swimmer when I was 13 years old. I used to swim for fun in the beginning, but as I swam more I started to love it and I swam in my first national and international championships in 2003 and won a lot of medals so later I decided to take it professionally.

2. What was your preparation for the Games like? Did you go into London feeling confident about your chances?

The preparations were really good. I was training in Australia for more than 2 months and was working very hard. So I was confident of my performance and I couldn’t say much about the chances as its the Paralympics and everyone is working equally hard! I performed well and I am happy with the performance.

3. How did it feel to break your personal record at the Paralympics?

It was amazing! I always want to give my personal best in every race and i did the same. I gave my 100% and couldn’t have gone any faster.

4. What do you feel about sporting facilities for the differently-abled? Do you think the government is doing enough for para-sports?

The facilities are very bad for the para-sports in India, but it has improved a lot over the past 2 – 3 years. And now the government is giving equal importance to the para-sports which is a great sign for the future and hopefully we can see a lot of Paralympic medals in the future.

5. There have been reports of mistreatment of the Paralympics athletes by officials. Do you think the Paralympics Committee of India has done everything in its power to make things easy for the athletes?

Yes, There have been few problems. The PCI is doing all it can to make things right! Mistakes happen and we should them. The PCI is doing the same and hopefully everything will be alright soon.

6. What do you think the future of the Paralympics? Will it ever reach the stature of the Olympics?

Paralympics in the world has already reached equal to the Olympics. But para-sports in India have not reached that level. But as the government of India is giving equal importance to the para-sports, I feel assured of a great future.

7. At the Summer Olympics, India didn’t achieve much in swimming disciplines. Was that a motivating factor for you or did it demotivate you?

Yes, It was truly sad that India couldn’t achieve a lot in swimming at the Olympics, but it was not a demotivating factor as I always concentrate on giving my best in every race.

8. Do you think India can win more medals in the Paralympics arena? What measures do you think should be taken to that end?

Yes, we have a lot of talented and hard working sports persons and coaches. But what we lack is the infrastructure and facilities and equipment for training. If we can get these, we will be fighting for the top position at the Paralympics and the Olympics.

9. What is your message to aspiring athletes in India?

I would like to say that always give your 100% and improve your performance no matter what level you are at and believe in yourself. Do what you Love!