‘We have to believe in ourselves’

Sep 19, 2010 |

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Commonwealth Games

Having come back with rich experience from the 13th FINA World Championship held in Rome last year, swimmer Arjun J. P. is looking to put his best foot forward at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The Bengaluru boy, who will participate in the 4x100M freestyle medley, may also take part in the 50M freestyle event and is excited to be a part of the Delhi Games.

“It’s a big event and a good exposure for the Indian swimmers. It’s bigger than the Asian Games, so the competition will be huge,” said Arjun, who is toiling hard at the national camp in Delhi.

The few days that he spent in Rome during the World Championship is still etched in his memory.

“It was the best exposure a swimmer could have got. The level of swimming was at the highest and for me just to be a part of it was amazing,” the 21-year-old added. With the CWG being held at home, Arjun feels that it is a great chance for the Indian swimmers to come up with their best performance.

“With the level of competition being very high, especially from the Australian, English and South African swimmers, we will have to give it our best and we have home support to rely on. A big event like the CWG does not happen in India frequently. So we got to make the best use of it.”
“I strongly feel we can make it to the finals and who knows what might happen from there! We have to believe in ourselves,” noted Arjun, who grabbed one gold, two silver and two bronze at the National Championship in Jaipur recently.

Preparations are on in full swing at the national camp and Arjun is enjoying the company of his team-mates. “We have a large group so it’s nice fun to train. Daily there are three sessions – two swimming and one gym session. We are focused to deliver our best,” he said.

But for Arjun, taking part in the Olympics is a long cherished dream. “Olympics is the ultimate dream for any sportsperson. But you won’t get it on a platter and you have to work hard. Seeing swimmers like Rehan (Poncha) practice hard motivates me and I hope I can be with them at the Olympics one day.”

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