KOCHI: Muhammed Aasim’s latest achievement is literally a shining proof of his resolve and resilience. The 20-year-old from Velimanna in Kozhikode won a gold for India at the recent World Para Swimming Series held in Gold Coast, Australia, adding another milestone to his international exploits.
Aasim, who is 90% disabled, was part of the national team that stood on top of the podium in the mixed 4x50m freestyle relay event. In the process, he became the first Indian in the S2 para-swimming category to win a global medal.
Currently, he ranks eighth in the world, second in Asia, and first in India ian his category. The competition in Australia, held from February 20-22, involved more than 150 athletes from 12 countries.
India sent the second-largest contingent, with 21 athletes and 12 officials and support staff. Aasim — who does not have arms and balances on stunted legs — was accompanied by his father Muhammed Shaheed and physiotherapist Dr Ashkar Ali Kelath. “Aasim competed in five individual events — 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, and 50m and 100m backstroke — improving his timings every time he hit the pool,” says Ashkar.
“It was because of Aasim’s impressive performance in the five events that he was invited to join the team for the mixed 4x50m freestyle relay.” For Aasim, winning a gold for the nation was a dream come true. “I have put in sustained hard work, countless hours of practice over the years,” he adds, expressing his gratitude to Ashkar.
Notably, his journey to swimming glory did not begin in a state-of-the-art training facility, but in a river near his home. “I was encouraged to overcome my limitations and dream big by a coach named Saji Valasseril,” he says.
Aasim sets sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics
One of Aasim’s early feats was swimming across the Periyar, covering nearly 800m in 61 minutes, in 2022. His achievements include competing at the World Para Swimming Series in Paris and reaching the finals at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore last year. “I hope to see more people with disabilities come forward and compete, especially in swimming. Only when there are a good number of participants does the competition become exciting,” Aasim points out. Financial constraint has meant relying on community support and fundraising.
Despite his achievements, Aasim says, institutional backing has often fallen short. “There are some well-wishers who support me. That is how I manage to participate in events abroad. A similar push from authorities would be a great encouragement,” he adds.
Aasim has now set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, for which he has already qualified. “But my immediate mission is to win a medal at this year’s Asian Games to be held in Japan in September,” he says.