Pune: Blind Army Officer Lt Col Dwarakesh Triumphs with Gold and Silver at National Para Swimming Championships
Pune, 4th April 2024: Lieutenant Colonel Dwarakesh achieved remarkable success at the 23rd National Para Swimming Championships, held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh from March 29 to 31, securing gold and silver medals.
Lt Col Dwarakesh, the Army’s sole blind active-duty officer, displayed unwavering determination and perseverance to excel in the competition organized by the Paralympic Committee of India. Stationed at the Station Headquarters in Khadki, Pune, Lt Col Dwarakesh embarked on his military journey by joining the Cadet Training Wing through the Indian Army’s technical entry in 2009, subsequently opting for the Corps of Military Intelligence.
Following a tragic road accident in 2016 resulting in the loss of his eyesight, Lt Col Dwarakesh continued to defy odds and conquer challenges. In October 2021, he achieved the remarkable feat of scaling the treacherous Siachen Glacier, followed by clinching a national shooting medal in November 2023.
Reflecting on his recent triumphs, the 35-year-old officer emphasized the transformative power of sports in his life. His rigorous training regimen, spanning several hours dedicated to swimming practice, bore fruit as he secured the gold medal in the 50m event with a time of 51 seconds and a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke event, clocking in at 1 minute and 50 seconds.
Lt Col Dwarakesh underscored the unique challenges he faces as a visually impaired athlete, highlighting the meticulous attention required to fine-tune his swimming technique. Unlike his sighted counterparts who can readily follow coach instructions, Lt Col Dwarakesh meticulously listens and interprets guidance, investing significant time to rectify even minor errors in his approach.
Balancing his commitment to swimming with his passion for shooting, Lt Col Dwarakesh meticulously structured his training schedule to accommodate both disciplines. However, in the lead-up to the championships, he focused his efforts predominantly on swimming, a decision that ultimately proved instrumental in his stellar performance.
