Olympic Journey of Sajan Prakash: Milestones and Records

The swimmer from Idukki, Kerala, Sajan Prakash, achieved a historic milestone by directly qualifying for the Olympic Games – a first for an Indian swimmer. His early exposure to swimming came through his mother’s workplace pool, where he began training at age five. After honing his skills at Neveli City Swimming Club and under the mentorship of Pradeep Kumar, Sajan shifted from short‑course sprint events to the demanding 200 m butterfly. He represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, and dominated the 2015 National Games with eight medals, including six golds. At the 2016 Rio Olympics he recorded a 28th place finish in the butterfly heats. In 2021, at the Sete Côlè Trophy in Rome, he broke national records in the 100 m backstroke, 200 m butterfly, and 200 m freestyle. Recognised for his impact on Indian swimming, he received the Arjuna Award in 2024.