‘Aim is to win an international medal’

PM Abishiktha, who got into the sport through her parents’ interest, bagged a couple of medals at the Senior National Aquatic Championship held last month in Bhopal. She snapped up a silver and a bronze in the 4x200m relay and 4x100m relay events respectively in the freestyle category. 

In spite of punching above her weight by taking part in the senior category, she was unsatisfactory about her showing in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. “My execution in the junior level was good but I am not pleased with my performances at the senior level. I look forward to giving my best in the upcoming events and improving my medal tally,” she said. 

When asked about her future assignments, she said, ”I am geared up to take part in the next edition of Senior National Aquatic Championship and the University National Aquatic Championship to be held next year.” 

“A lot of praise will have to go to my parents for putting me into this sport at a tender age of five and guiding me in all facets since then,” she said with a sense of pride.

Abishiktha, who is pursuing her studies at SBIOA Model Matric School in Mogappair, is currently coached by former national coach KK Mukunthan. She began her career at the District Meet Aquatic Championship in 2005.

“My training regime includes two hours of practice each in the mornings and evenings at Lady Andal School, Chennai. My school timings are sandwiched between those training hours,” she added. 

The Class 12 student, who has clinched at least a pair of medals in each of her tournaments in this calendar year, is focussed in winning an accolade for the country. “My ultimate aim is to win an international medal representing the nation, be it any tournament,” said Abishiktha, after winning a bundle of medals in multifarious categories at the Nationals. 

“Receiving an award from the former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2007 Chief Minister’s Trophy was the best moment in my life,” remarked the 17-year-old.