Hyderabad: Swimming was his passion from an early age, although he was physically disabled due to his polio-affected right leg. Encouraged by his father Krishna Mallesh, Kusnoor Shiv Kumar swam in ponds in his town Singeetham of Raikoda Mandal in Sangareddy district. But from a poor family home, since his father was a daily laborer, the young swimmer could not dream big. He concentrated on his studies and obtained more than 90 percent on Inter-exams before gaining admission to Nizam College here. But his love for swimming did not fade.
Shiv Kumar pursued his desire and soon his happiness changed for the better when he met his coach and mentor Dinesh Rajoria by accident in 2017. Three years of training and today he made Telangana State proud when he won his first gold in 100m butterfly in 1: 25.34s. in the S-9 disability class in the Para National swim that ended in Bengaluru on Monday. “It was a difficult race. This was my third attempt. I worked hard for this national because the last two years there has not been much competition. “I ended up being a comfortable winner, thanks to my coach,” he said.
Shiv Kumar, who hails from a small town, never knew that big events are also held for the disabled. ‘I was aware of these competitions as soon as I got a seat in Nizam College and had big dreams when Mariyappan Thangavelu of Tamil Nadu won the high jump gold in the 2016 Paralympic Games in T42. I got motivated. “Since my first love for swimming, my interest has increased and I have been training at the Razor Swimming Club near Tank bund, ” the 23-year-old said.
Rajoria, who coaches at this pool, spotted Shiv Kumar and immediately told him he would train him. ‘I saw his hunger, energy and enthusiasm. When I heard his background, I told him I would give him all the help. Today I am very glad that Shiv won the gold. It’s a victory for his determination and hard work, ” said the 47-year-old coach, who came to the city from Punjab in 2010 and trained national swimmers from the city.
Shiv Kumar, who completed his MSc in Zoology at Osmania University, has been training for more than six hours at Blue Dolphin Swim Club, which incidentally now sponsors him. ‘Rajoria sir has become a God to me. Since I trained under him in 2017, I can achieve great results. My goal is to participate in Asian, Commonwealth Games and Olympics and bring honors to the country. This is the beginning, ‘said Shiv Kumar.
Shiv Kumar stays at Rajoria. ‘He’s been under my supervision for three years, as his father can not afford his expenses. ‘I would be happy if this talented swimmer provides financial assistance or a secure job to pursue his dream,’ ‘Rajoria said.
Source: Telangana Today