Indian swimmer Sajan Prakash has said that chasing personal best timings and winning medals are complementary goals for an athlete. Speaking ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Prakash stressed that while personal milestones reflect an athlete’s progress, medals bring glory to the country on the world stage.
‘Personal best is always knowing that you have progressed. In training, a lot of times, that will replicate in the competition. And medals are very important for the country to glorify its name on the world stage. So it goes hand in hand,’ Prakash told reporters.
The 32-year-old Olympian also spoke about the responsibility of representing India as one of the country’s senior swimmers. He acknowledged the added accountability that comes with experience, saying he must be prepared months before the race.
Prakash made history for Indian swimming by becoming the first swimmer to directly qualify for the Olympics through the qualifying standard. He secured his place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after clocking 1:56.38 in the men’s 200m butterfly at the 2021 Sette Colli Trophy in Rome, setting a new national record.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will open on July 23 in Glasgow and run until August 2, with swimming events scheduled from July 24 to 29.
Article and image source: brazilsun.com
