Swimmers in the country have gone through a gamut of emotions over the past few weeks. From making it to the Commonwealth Games squad to finding their friends in the midst of a doping controversy, the build-up to the Games has been a roller-coaster ride.
One swimmer who has been through the ride is Assamese lass Fariha Zaman. The 19-year-old, who was named following an order from the sports ministry to increase the size of the aquatics team, is disappointed her friends Richa Mishra and Jyotsna Pansare will most probably miss the CWG.
Although the National Doping Agency has cleared Richa and Jyotsana, their re-entry into the squad looks unlikely. “I felt very bad for them as they are my good friends. In fact at the Jaipur Nationals, I came second behind Jyotsana,” said Fariha, who currently represents Karnataka.
On a personal front, Fariha is happy to be a part of the team. “I am happy to be a part of the team, especially since it is happening at home. It is a dream come true,” she added. Although the events are yet to be official allotted, Fariha is willing to give her best in the Games, which runs from Oct. 3 to 14.
“I haven’t been told about my events but I am confident of giving my best. Right now I am training for sprint events, especially back stroke races, noted Fariha, who won one gold and four silver medals at the National Championship recently.
The CWG will be the second big event for Fariha, after the World Championship in Rome last year and naturally the excitement levels are high.
“World Championship was great fun. Being part of such a big event was very satisfying as a swimmer. Now, the CWG should be even better as there is a big Indian contingent for the event. We are all like family, we enjoy each other's success. So I’m hoping we do well as a team,” added the talented swimmer. Fariha trains at the Basavangudi Aquatic Centre under National coach Pradeep Kumar and she believes the stint has made her a better swimmer. “I have been training in Bengaluru for the past five years and it feels like home now. Pradeep sir has been very helpful. He constantly pushes me to give my best. And he has also taught me the basics of training and I have benefited a lot from it,” Fariha said.
At the CWG, Fariha will be watched by her folks and brother and she wants to give it all. “A medal will be tough target. But I hope to give my best. I always dream big and the Olympics is a target and I am sure I will be there one day!”