All of 24, para-athlete Niranjan Mukundan's indomitable grit is taking him places. And clearly, 2019 is his year. After making it to the Forbes U30 List, and clinching 1 gold in 200m I.M and 1 silver in 50m Butterfly events at the World Series 2019, Sao Paulo, Brazil, he has his sights set on a bigger innings: Para-Swimming World Championships to be held in London in September.
Wise beyond his years, Niranjan has a sense of calm and the aura rubs off on you. Soaking up all the praise that's coming his way post his recent feat at the World Series in Brazil, Niranjan says, “Well, I have clocked the MET ("B" Qualifying Time) for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics as well, so my main aim at the World Championships would be to achieve the MQS ("A" Qualifying Time) so that I will have one full year to train for the Paralympics."
Niranjan’s journey hasn't always been smooth. Diagnosed with spina bifida, a neural tube defect which affects the spine, and having had to wade through a series of complex surgeries since birth, the Bengaluru boy had a slew of difficult decisions to make. But, that’s what made the pursuit all the more worthwhile.
“If you’re really invested in your dream, challenges only make you want to push harder. One of my goals is to help the next generation of sportspeople, and most importantly, para sports athletes,” avers Niranjan, who’s armed with a Masters' degree in Sports Management.
Like most true blue Bengalureans, Niranjan has a penchant for filter kaapi, idli-sambar, cricket and movies. While most know him owing to his swimming and para-olympic endeavours, not many are aware that this sportsperson massively roots for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Bengaluru Bulls Pro Kabaddi Team. These are some of the things he often makes time for, while taking a break from work.
Elaborating on his passions, he says, “Whether we win or lose, I’ll always be a die-hard RCB fan. And of course, nothing beats the comfort that a plate of piping hot idli-sambar offers, or a cup of filter coffee. Maybe these are just very Bengalurean things! I'm also an ardent movie buff, so whenever I am in India and I am free, I love to go and watch movies with friends.”
Coming from a modest family, Niranjan attributes all his success to his family and inner circle. “They have never said a 'No' to me for anything. Also, that passion towards my sport has always driven me. Sometimes I win and other times I have so much to learn. The sense of pride in representing my country at the highest level keeps me motivated and inspired. It's the passion that plays out, in the end,” he says.
The social media-verified sportsperson, who’s quite active (though not acutely anxious about experiencing FOMO) believes that the medium is more a boon than a bane. “I love spending time on all the social media platforms. I think it’s a great way to stay connected, and I often spend a lot of time scrolling through my feed, whenever I can. Don’t we all?” he chuckles.
With so much in his kitty, we wonder if there’s a bigger plan in the making. Has Niranjan ever considered writing a book or starting something on his own? And well, turns out, quite like his peers and other sportspersons in the industry, Niranjan too harbours lofty entrepreneurial pursuits. “I am planning to start off with my own foundation, and then an academy of my own in the long run.”
He has his agenda set: To inspire those who want to start from scratch, sans a godfather. “One of my biggest goals is to help the next generation of sportspeople, narrowing it down to para sports.”
Staunchly believing that inspiration is all around, Niranjan adds, “But I’ve always looked up to Rahul Dravid (The Wall Of Indian Cricket) and Michael Phelps (Greatest Olympic Swimmer Of All Time) for their nature and composure on and off the sporting arena."
Sporting victories aside, it’s also been a year of uber-satisfactory media attention. Speaking of an added feather to his cap - on being listed in the Forbes 30 U30 (April, 2019 Issue) Niranjan elatedly says, "That was such a sweet surprise, I still remember that morning when I woke up to hundreds of messages, then I realised that I was one among the 2 Indians under the sports category to be named in the Forbes 30 U30 list. It gives more responsibility and a sense of pride to try and inspire more people and particularly, people with disabilities, in the world."
Niranjan is crystal clear about where he sees himself next.
"It's every athlete's dream to represent his/her country at the Olympics and that's my dream too. I am a few microseconds away in achieving that dream and I am very positive and hopeful in achieving it by the end of this year and also to see the tricolor go up at major competitions,” he signs off.