HELPING HAND: Swarna Constructions MD Donepudi Srinivas handing over Rs.6,000 to Lakshman, physically challenged swimmer, on Sunday for taking part in the Indian team trials in Bangalore.

VIJAYAWADA : Physically challenged swimmers -- S. Tirumali Kumar, A. Lakshman, Md. Karimullah and A. Narasimha -- are on cloud nine for they would be taking part in the trials to pick the Indian team to participate in the Pan Asian Games (for the physically challenged) to be held at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from November 25.

The news is heartening as four swimmers, out of 30 selected from all over the country, are from Vijayawada. Around 10 such swimmers are honing their skills at Sir Vizzi Swimming complex here, drawing inspiration from international swimmer S. Tirumali Kumar.

Says S. Kumar, who has won six gold, two silver and one bronze medal from eight international meets: "For the first time four swimmers are on the verge of getting into the Indian contingent. All the swimmers are performing just a few seconds below the qualifying mark. I am confident, we will reach the mark during the trials."

Support rendered

Lakshman will be taking part in the S7 category in 50-metre freestyle. "The qualifying mark is 36 seconds and I'm performing around 37-38 seconds," says the swimmer, who is pursuing his final year graduation through distance learning. Inspired by Kumar, Lakshman took a plunge into the pool in 2004 and has so far swept nine gold medals in various national meets.

Moved by Lakshman's determination, Swarna Constructions Managing Director Donepudi Srinivas came forward to take care of his dietary requirements and presented him with Rs. 6,000. "I was moved by his plight. I am sure he will make it to the Indian team," he said.

Better performance

Md. Karimullah would be taking part in the S8 category in 50-metre freestyle. The qualifying time is 35 seconds, while he is setting around 37 seconds. Narasimha would take part in 50-metre freestyle in S10 segment and he needs to up his performance from the existing 33 seconds to 31 seconds to make the team.

Along with swimming, these talented athletes are taking part in athletic meets organised by the International Para Olympic Federation.

Kumar would be taking part in the trials at the Sports Authority of India centre at Bangalore from July 24, where the Indian contingent for World Athletic Championship for the physically challenged would be selected. "The championship would be held at The Netherlands from September 2," says Kumar.

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