Patna, July 26: When Mahendra Singh Dhoni lifted the World Cup on April 2 this year, fans across the country hit the streets in celebration. The festivities continued for god knows how many days. But when Virdhawal Khade won the first Asian Games medal for India in swimming in 24 years, barely a few cared to applaud.

In India, sportspersons not associated with cricket have often felt neglected and the story is no different for the Singh family, based in Patna.

Raj Kumar Singh, who teaches swimming, his wife Nelu Singh, a national champion in swimming, and their children — Ritika Raj Singh (15) and Yash Raj Singh (12) — all rue the lack of infrastructure in the state for swimmers.

Raj, a professional swimmer, has been teaching Patnaites swimming at the Hotel Maurya.

“I taught my wife swimming after we got married. I thought we would do well after a few years but situation has only deteriorated. We are losing our passion for the sport,” Raj told The Telegraph.

Nelu Singh, who has won one gold, six silver and one bronze medals in four national championships, said: “Our condition has been worsening day by day and the state government is just not concerned. Only those who have a lot of money are selected in national championships and the rest are left out.”

She said: “I started learning swimming from my husband in 2005. We thought we would be able to earn our bread and butter and give a good upbringing to our children. But things did not work out that way. I wanted to teach swimming to girls so that they can they can promote the sport. The poor infrastructure for the sport is so poor, no one seems to be interested in taking swimming as a career option.”

Ritika, who has participated in three national swimming championships, does not have any plan to continue with the sport “as it has no future”.

“I see a lot of disparity in different sports. I do not see a point in continuing with swimming. I have decided to concentrate on my studies so that I get a decent job,” she said, adding that she never saw the hard work of her parents being appreciated.

“There was a time I thought I will participate in the Olympics and make the country proud but now I have given up such dreams,” she said.

Even her brother Yash is disheartened with the situation. “I do not want to become a swimmer. I am learning it just because my sister and my parents are involved in the sport. I want to be an engineer and lead a good life.”