Determination, relentlessness and a pursuit for perfection. These are the few qualities that describe Indian Para Swimmer Trupti Chordiya. Despite her disabilities, she has proven time and again that nothing is impossible and is setting her sights on the ultimate prize: Paralympics 2024.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Trupti speaks about her journey as a Para Swimmer, dealing with pressure, the influence of her coach Harshad Inamdar and her plans for the future.

Q1) Can you take us through your journey of becoming a professional Para swimmer?

I had to undergo an operation at KEM Hospital, Mumbai when I was a year old. The doctors extracted some parts of the tumor but couldn't remove it completely due to high risk as the part where the tumor was situated was sensitive. After the operation the blood circulation improved which helped in my posture and I could sit and walk with support. The doctor advised me to start swimming for body flexibility, normal blood circulation and fitness. I learnt swimming by the time I was four. Since then I have been swimming every day for an hour. The sport has helped my upper body gain strength.

At the age of 14, I was again operated at Jaslok Hospital as the tumor seemed to have grown and it affected my legs. The surgery could not improve the condition as they couldn’t remove the tumor as a result my lower body became weak and insensitive. Even though it did not change me, I accepted how I was and moved on with life.

Q2) How has the experience of the State Paralympic championship 2018 at Kalyan and how has it helped you evolve as a better swimmer?

The 2018 State Paralympic championships at Kalyan, Mumbai was the first time that I was participating in a Para Swimming competition. It was a great learning experience and winning the medals in Breaststroke, Freestyle and Backstroke made me believe in myself.

Q3) How has your coach Harshad Inamdar helped in finding your strengths and weaknesses?

He keeps an eye on my form and performance during the coaching sessions. He is spending a lot of time making sure I get all the three strokes right and his dedication has had an everlasting impact in my career. He understands my physical incapabilities and gives me advice accordingly. He believes I can make it big in the upcoming events and also the Paralympics; he has been a great mentor and hopefully one day I shall fulfill his dream.

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Q4) How do you prepare yourself, physically as well as mentally before the big competitions?

I have daily practice sessions along with a specific diet. After working on sessions, I make sure to get good rest especially before competitions. I prepare myself by keeping my target in mind that is to participate in the Paralympics. The mental picture boosts me up whenever I am under pressure. My family as well as my fellow athletes keep supporting me as it helps me deal with the tough times.

Q5) How do you plan to motivate other physically challenged individuals who are looking forward to following their passion and achieving their dreams?

My message to my other physically challenged athletes is to accept your incapabilities and love yourself. Mental along with physical fitness can do wonders in bringing in confidence. Playing a sport has helped me overcome my personal hurdles, so we have to focus our energy in following the passion and should not deter us from getting what we want. We should also be engaged in activities to keep ourselves busy. I have gained a lot of motivation in the past years although it was tough in the beginning. Gradually the process helped me to reach where I am today. Life is beautiful, live it to the fullest.

Q6) What are your future goals and how do you intend to achieve them?

I wish to represent the country at the Paralympics and am working towards it step by step. One of my future goals is to become a coach and guide youngsters who are physically challenged.