N.N.
As of August 2016, you have won 11 international, 61 national, and 75 state-level medals. Top 5 key essentials, for an athlete to achieve success.
M.N.
For me, success means becoming a better version of oneself.
- Any athlete or any normal person who wants to be successful should be very disciplined and dedicated to their craft. Respecting and loving what you do is very important.
- One should learn to master their mind, mental strength is of utmost importance and that’s what gives you an edge after you reach a certain level. Once you learn how to align your body with your mind, you can do wonders.
- Set daily goals, take baby steps, and keep a track of your progress.
- Reading biographies of successful athletes, entrepreneurs always helps. It keeps you motivated and you learn so much from their journey which you could inculcate in your life.
- Whatever you do, should always give 100% and nothing less than that. Be true to yourself when you train/work.
N.N.
Injuries are a part of every sport. You too have suffered an ankle injury in 2019. It’s a big challenge for any sportsperson to recover and return back to sports. How did you go about taking care of your physical & emotional trauma, please share? What & who all helped you to bounce back.
M.N
In 2017 I was discovered with a labrum tear in my left shoulder which kept me out of the water for almost 8 months. And even after that getting back to swimming was very difficult because I lacked power and strength. My shoulders had gotten very weak and I wasn’t able to swim like before. I couldn’t accept this situation and my condition and hence I was depressed for quite some time. I had lost a lot of weight and I would just sleep throughout the day. I was really scared to go to the pool or even begin my day. I was hell-bent on quitting the sport. I had given up hopes of coming back.
But my team which includes my parents, my coach, my Physio believed in me more than I did and they kept pushing me and motivating me. Deep down I knew I couldn’t stay away
From swimming and I needed one good race to bring my confidence back. In 2018 after almost 14 months I raced and broke my own Indian best record in 100mts backstroke. And after that, I won 4 golds and 1 silver at the South Asian Games and 1 gold 4 silvers, and 1 bronze at the Asian age group.
I’m so glad that my team never stopped believing in me and never let me hang my suit. When you’re at your lowest you should always surround yourself with people who keep you happy and positive.
