A 15-year-old Bastab Tapan Bordoloi from Assam’s Jorhat district made the nation proud by bagging five gold medals and a silver at the recently concluded South Asian Aquatic Championship (SAAC) in Sri-Lanka.

It is only through sheer hard work and strong determination that success can be achieved. A 15-year-old Bastab Tapan Bordoloi from Assam’s Jorhat district made the nation proud by bagging five gold medals and a silver at the recently concluded South Asian Aquatic Championship (SAAC) in Sri-Lanka.

An aqua phobic since childhood, Bastab was encouraged by his parents to take up swimming. He started swimming at the age of nine and bagged his maiden medal (silver) in All Assam State Level Championship in 2012. He was the only swimmer from the northeast region who participated in six events at the championship.

“It was a tough competition because the swimmers from the SAARC nations were all very good and I tried to give my best so that I win. I competed in 6 events and won golds in 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 4×100 mix relay, 4×100 freestyle relay and 4×200 freestyle relay and silver medal in 100m butterfly,” Bastab told 

The event brought together participants from six countries – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka – in Colombo.

Before participating in the SAAC championship, Bastab underwent an extensive practice at the Talkatora stadium and India camp in New Delhi. Support from his parents made Bastab achieve his dream and represent India on an international platform.