Published 14:50 IST, January 19th 2020
Eyeing 2024 Olympics, says Bengal's Khelo India Youth Games gold medallist
West Bengal's swimmer Swadesh Mondal has had a successful Khelo India Youth Games with a gold each in 100m breast stroke and 400m medley in the U-21 category
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West Bengal's swimmer Swadesh Mondal has had a successful Khelo India Youth Games with gold each in 100m breaststroke and 400m medley in U-21 category. Mondal, who clinched gold at Asian Pacific Youth Games last year, is aiming to participate at 2024 Olympics. "I am aiming for 2024 Olympics. Hopefully, I will do well in trials and book a place in Indian swimming contingent for Olympics," said Mondal after bagging his second gold at Khelo India Youth Games.
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'Aiming to participate at 2024 Olympics'
Although Mondal has to beat his competitors in pool to win medals, swimmer does t focus on his competitors and just ensures that he is putting up his best performance.
"I don't look at any of my competitors when I am racing in pool. I pace myself by looking at wall. I just try and focus on my own performance," said Mondal.
When asked about how did he make his foray into swimming, West Bengal swimmer said that he was always interested in swimming since his childhood.
"I was always interested in swimming since my childhood. So when my mor asked me to join an extra-curricular activity, I opted for swimming. So n I started swimming," said Mondal.
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West Bengal swimmer picked up sport quickly in lower levels, but as he went to higher-level competitions, Mondal knew that he had to work very hard in order to sustain his performances. "Initially, I picked up sport quickly, but as I moved to higher levels, I had to start working very hard. I am motivating myself to perform well in last five years so that I can represent India at Olympics," signed off Mondal.
14:50 IST, January 19th 2020