FPJ Exclusive | 'People See 19 Surgeries, I See 107 Medals For India': Para Swimmer Niranjan Mukundan Opens Up Ahead Of Asian Para Games
Indian para-swimmer Niranjan Mukundan has turned a childhood rehabilitation journey into an inspiring sporting career, overcoming 19 major and minor surgeries to emerge as one of the country's most accomplished para-swimmers. As he prepares for the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Mukundan spoke exclusively to The Free Press Journal about his journey, setbacks, international…
Indian para-swimmer Niranjan Mukundan has transformed his life through the sport of swimming, overcoming 19 major and minor surgeries from a young age. Ahead of the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Mukundan shared his story with The Free Press Journal. Born with spina bifida and clubbed feet, Mukundan underwent surgeries since birth and was introduced to swimming as part of his rehabilitation.
Initially, the sport allowed him to move freely in the water without assistance, a significant moment in his life. His coach, Mr. John Christopher, recognized Mukundan's potential and encouraged his parents to enroll him in competitive swimming. Despite facing numerous setbacks and surgeries, Mukundan credits his resilience and patience for shaping him as an athlete and individual.
He acknowledges that while he has experienced losses, he has also had victories and comebacks. Mukundan is now an accomplished para-swimmer, looking forward to representing India at the upcoming Asian Para Games.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
