Malavika, Arvind aim big

They grew in the shadow of top swimmers like Rehan Poncha and Shikha Tandon but now lead Karnataka’s charge in swimming.

Arvind M and Malavika V have risen to be the champions in their chosen field and their performance at the National Games is a just result of their hard work.

Talking on the sidelines of the felicitation ceremony organised by the Karnataka Swimming Association, an elated Arvind shared his emotions on being the only swimmer from the State to win a gold medal at Kerala. “It is a great feeling to be the only swimmer to win a gold an the Games,” he said.

The 16-year-old Malavika too was satisfied with her show in the season gone by. “I believe I had a good season over all. A good show at the Senior Nationals and then few medals at the National Games, things are finally falling in place for me.

“I was a bit stagnating last season, but this time, its been a different show. It is a good feeling to comeback and win few medals,” she added.

While Arvind enjoyed his time at the National Games winning five medals, including a gold in the 400M individual medley, Malavika had to settle for four, which included two sliver and two bronze.

Arvind also sounded certain about the responsibility he shoulders being State’s lead swimmer. “It is a great feeling to be the senior swimmer and taking the charge. Some talk about the pressure related to it, but I take it as my responsibility to mould the future of Karnataka swimming,” said the 18-year-old swimmer.

With the 2016 Olympics not far away, the ace swimmers are aware of the importance the upcoming meets hold as it may be a platform for them to qualify for the sporting carnival in Rio.

“This being the year for Olympic qualification, I am putting in lot of effort in cutting down my timing to better my chances to qualify for the 2016 Games in Rio. I hope I get opportunities to stake my claims for the Rio Games and that’s something I am working on,” said the VTU student.