Sajan Prakash’s Inspiring Journey in Swimming
Sajan Prakash’s swimming story has a touch of poetry. Hailing from Kerala’s Idukki district, he’s been a leading figure in Indian swimming, thanks in large part to the encouragement of his mother, V.J. Shantymol, a former athlete herself.
Sajan made his mark on the international stage by representing India in two Olympic Games: Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021. His first Olympic trip was through a university quota, but the second was a hard-earned achievement based on merit. His spot in Tokyo was claimed with a stunning performance at the 2021 Sette Colli Trophy in Rome, where he set a national record, swimming the 200m butterfly in 1:56.38, well below the Olympic Qualification Time.
This achievement was a historic moment for Indian swimming as it marked the first time an Indian swimmer qualified directly for the Olympics based on their performance.
However, not everything has gone smoothly. After failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics, Sajan faced a tough period of mental and physical fatigue and took a break, which could have signaled the end for his swimming career. Yet, he wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
In 2025, he joined the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) to rejuvenate his training in a high-performance environment. Soon, he was back in the water, gearing up for the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the Asian Games.
He qualified for both events by exceeding the Swimming Federation of India’s requirements. This new phase in his career is critical to him, but during a recent event organized by the Sports Authority of India, it was clear he is passionate about continuing in this sport that has given him so much.
Striving for Excellence
It’s been over four years since Sajan swam the fastest time of his career in the 200m butterfly. He understands that to secure a podium finish in Glasgow, he must improve upon that personal best.
Earlier this year, he clocked 1:57.09 at the Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships. While this is commendable, past results indicate that he might need to swim even faster to earn a medal. The winning times at the Birmingham 2022 Games were 1:55.60, 1:55.89, and 1:56.77, leaving little room for mistakes.
Rather than letting high expectations overwhelm him, Sajan is taking a practical approach. He is focusing on refining every aspect of his training for his main event, practicing as closely to race-day conditions as possible.
He emphasizes the importance of physical training combined with mental readiness. For him, confidence builds over time through consistent training and achieving milestones. He states, “If I prepare well in training, that mentally prepares me for competition because the mind and body are interconnected.”
Looking Beyond Competition
As he aims for a medal at the Commonwealth or Asian Games, does he consider a final shot at the Los Angeles Olympics? When asked, his response reflects uncertainty. Having dedicated nearly three decades to swimming, the idea of retirement is bittersweet.
“Every athlete wants to achieve more, but it doesn’t always go as planned,” he shares. “I’ve seen ups and downs, and it’s been a long journey.”
Right now, his focus remains on Glasgow, with thoughts about the future still undecided. He hopes that if this chapter closes, his next role will be in shaping the future of Indian swimming as a coach and mentor, helping young swimmers realize their dreams.
“I want to thrive even beyond 30 because few athletes in India continue swimming at this age. I’m thankful to be healthy and able to compete,” he adds, reflecting on his journey.
As Sajan prepares to take his mark on July 27, the aim goes beyond just winning a medal. It’s about pushing forward, hoping for a new beginning rather than the end of an incredible chapter in his life.
