Niranjan Mukundan with 19 surgeries grabs 91 International Medals!

You may not believe it glancing at the headline. Interestingly what has been mentioned is neither fiction nor exaggeration of sorts but a plain fact that turns out to be too difficult to grapple with. This is the true story of Niranjan Mukundan, who has such amazing accomplishments to his credit.

Born with Spina Bifida: Niranjan Mukundan had spina bifida and clubbed feet at the time of birth. Spina Bifida is a congenital defect of the spine. As part of the spinal cord and its meninges are exposed through a gap in the backbone the condition is prone to frequent paralysis of the lower limbs. Meninges are the three membranes namely the dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater that line the skull and vertebral canal and enclose the brain and spinal cord.

19 surgeries! As a result of such adverse challenging physical conditions, Niranjan Mukundan was compelled to undergo 19 surgeries right from birth as ongoing efforts and part of corrective surgeries.

Thanks to Aqua Therapy: Thanks to one of the treating doctors, Niranjan Mukundan was suggested swimming as part of aqua-therapy. Swimming evolved into a real game changer for him and from then on there has been no looking back at all.

Scepticism all along: Maybe, the treating doctors advised Niranjan Mukundan to swim and he was equally enthusiastic enough to take it up as a challenge with astounding support from the committed parents the society had its own sceptical attitude. Entangled with multiple physical challenges and overburdened with any number of surgeries the people and society had their own doubts about Niranjan Mukundan going any further. Irrespective of such a predicament, Niranjan Mukundan and his perplexed parents were more bothered about becoming independent to live a healthy lifestyle and the craving was not utopian from any angle.

Sailing at the age of 8.5 years: In fact, Niranjan Mukundan was introduced to swimming when he was eight years and six months old. He represented his state of Karnataka at the national level of aquatics and won a silver medal. The competition was for the years 2003-04 and the venue was Mumbai. It was only the beginning and from then onwards he went on representing the state initially and the country later to repeatedly bring accolades to both.

JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION: He became part of the Indian team in 2012-13 and continues to be part of the Indian team all along. Niranjan Mukundan was crowned the “JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION” in the 2015 international junior games winning seven gold and three silver medals. This unique feat carved into a record of sorts as he became the first para swimmer to bag 10 medals in the games.

Half-century medals! From 10 medals in one event Niranjan Mukandan went on packing medals in all the international aquatic meets he took part in. It also goes to his credit for becoming the first Indian Para swimmer to win 91 international medals representing the country at various international competitions including the Asian games, World games, World cups, World series and much more. He represented the country at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 and finished 11th overall. Currently, he holds the most number of Asian records by snatching a total of seven. Among them, five are short courses and two are long courses.

Parents become pillars: Niranjan Mukundan was born and brought up in Bengaluru while his parents also hail from Bengaluru. He did his schooling in MSFNA and college UG from Jain University Bengaluru. He admits-“My parents are my pillars and without their unstinted support I wouldn’t have achieved anything. I am indebted to my Mom, Dad, sister and granny. I lost my granny last year to the Covid-19 pandemic”

John Christopher, the talent spotter: He reminisces-“I was spotted by my current coach John Christopher who promised to make me a Paralympian one day and now I am a proud Paralympian”.

Gosports becomes backbone: “A foundation named Gosports came into my journey 10 years ago and started supporting me by giving me access to expertise like Physiotherapy, exposure to training abroad and nutrition etc. I am ever grateful to the foundation for the support they keep extending”, says Niranjan Mukundan. Currently, he is training to qualify for the Paralympic Games 2024.

-Manohar Yadavatti

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