Waiting to exhale

Catch your breath with India's growing tribe of freedivers. They're plunging deeper and deeper into the ocean, on lung power alone, and emerging with the country's first major records in the field. The bonus: A calmer mind on land too

- Reshil Charles

Ever held your breath in a swimming pool, gone underwater and tried to stay there for a bit? You've actually been freediving without knowing it. Now, imagine taking it up a notch, drawing an epic breath, and going deeper and deeper, staying submerged for several minutes, on lung power alone. In international freediving circles, this is exactly what India has been doing. Young men and women have been taking their first breaths in an unfamiliar sport. They're reaching new depths and setting the first records for India along the way.

No, we're not dominating the field – not yet. The Russians, Italians and French have been at it for decades and hold most of the global records. But India has entered with a splash.

Freediving isn't just about holding one's breath and jumping in. The deeper the water, the more hostile the environment. Ear pressure builds up. The heart-rate slows. The body goes into oxygen-saving mode. Without air, the lungs and sinuses start to painfully compress. Of course, there's a natural urge to float back up. So, freedivers rely on specialised breathing techniques, and train themselves to balance their weight and to prevent blackout.

Divers say that spending time deep under water is both liberating and meditative. Is it worth the plunge? Meet four young Indians leaving the first marks in the field.

Scene setter

Poorva Ghiya, 27

Working in Bollywood doesn't leave much time for anyone to catch their breath. Poorva Ghiya would know. The Aurangabad-born assistant cinematographer has worked long stretches on set, and saw how easily it took a toll on her mind.

Ironically, it was in the swimming pool that she found herself able to let go and breathe.