NISHA MILLET

India's swimming champion.

- Karan Rana

Nisha Millet who at just five years old had a scary accident in a pool could have ended her swimming dreams, but Nisha turned that fear into fuel for success. By 1994, she was already winning international medals, and in 2000, she proudly represented India at the Sydney Olympics. Her relentless drive earned her the prestigious Arjuna Award, and she continues to light the way for young swimmers. Nisha's story is a vibrant reminder of what passion, perseverance, and self-belief can achieve.

You had a drowning experience at the age of 5, which led you to become a swimmer. Can you tell us how you overcame your fear of water?

Yes, I had a very close call with drowning at the age of five. I was playing with some friends near a fishing pond, and accidentally, a kid pushed me in. My dad came running to rescue me, pulling me out of the water. I developed a fear of water and didn't want to go near beaches or pools.

You won your first international medal at the Asian Age Group Championships in Hong Kong in 1994. How did you prepare for that event?

My training was all about focus and not being afraid of competition. My dad always told me, "Don't worry about age, and just aim to beat the person next to you." I trained with older swimmers, which built my confidence. I loved racing more than training, and that helped me improve my freestyle times.