September has been an unpredictable month for Janhvi Choudhary. From being highly disappointed for not being selected for the Asian Games to becoming the only swimmer from Bengal to race in Hangzhou, China, the month’s graph saw emotional extremes in the child prodigy. The news of the Swimming Federation of India adding Janhvi’s name to the list of Asian Games squad as a replacement, two weeks ago, filled her with new hopes and excitement. “I had no idea that this was going to happen and finally so many years of hard work would pay off. Initially, I was a little upset about not making it to the team because I have been trying for so many years. The news came of course as a surprise to me and I am really excited knowing that I will be playing in the Asian Games and representing Bengal and India in the relay. I thank my stars for making this happen. I have always dreamt of playing for the country and now doing it on such a big platform is going to be amazing. It’s a huge deal for me like any other athlete and I am grateful for it,” said Janhvi who has been swimming since the age of nine. She adds: “The news is like a small push from the back that you have a long way to go. And this is just the beginning.”
This is Janhvi’s debut Asian Games although she has played at the international level at the Asia Youth Pacific Games in Vladivostok, Russia. She has won gold at the Junior Nationals and Khelo India Youth Games. The 19-year-old will be participating in a 100x4 relay and talking about her talented teammates she said: “My teammates are great swimmers and most importantly great support. Playing on a big pedestal like this might be nerve-wracking but it is the warmth and support of team-mates that make the journey smooth and memorable. I am sure this will turn out well. Two of my teammates are experienced and they have played on international platforms; one is a junior, a 13-year-old and she is also extremely good at the sport. So we have a good mix.”
Commenting on being the only one from Bengal in the Asian Games that begins on September 23, she said, “Though it means a big responsibility, I feel great. If I am not wrong no one from our state has come this far in 20 years and it feels great to be able to do it as a swimmer.”
The only strategy, Janhvi informs, is to give their best and with her best time of 58.55 seconds, she is confident of making it to the top eight. Any country that she considers an inspiration and competitor? “China, Hong Kong and Japan are really good teams with Olympic medals to their names in the game. To be able to race with them will be a good learning experience.”
