Making a splash
The 47-year-old Syamala Goli became the first Telugu woman to cross Ganges.
Syamala Goli became the first woman from Telugu-speaking states (AP and Telangana) to cross the river Ganga at the 12th National Takshila Open Water Long Distance Ganga Swimming Competition in Patna, Bihar, which was held on November 10. Syamala started from Siva Ghat to the Law College Ghat of river Ganga where she crossed a distance of 13 km in 1 hour 50 minutes. She finished sixth out of the 40 competitors.
Expressing her joy, the 47-year-old says, “I feel very satisfied because initially I was apprehensive whether I can pull it off, but as the race started, I gathered my thoughts and gave it my best shot. I think this only proves that we are empowered to do anything we set our minds to.” Interestingly, Syamala was not initially allowed to participate in the competition due to her age. “But Ramakrishna sir from the Telangana Swimming Association helped me get an entry into the competition. Later, I underwent all medical tests and proved my fitness,” reveals Syamala, whose competitors were around 15-20 years old. Though at first Syamala, whose son Pavan Vihari is doing his BTech, felt a bit odd, she decidedly found the situation funny.
Better late than never
Syamala took to swimming at the age of 44 but this is not her first achievement. In August, she represented India in FINA World Master’s Championship held at Gwangju, South Korea. Earlier in January, Syamala even crossed River Krishna (a distance of 1.5 km, from Karakatta to Bhavani Ghat) in 36 minutes.
“I was the producer, creative director and writer for an animation company, but quit the job because of health issues. Back in 2016, one of my friends suggested that I take up swimming to beat my gynaecological issues and stay fit,” she reveals. Syamala began practising breast stroke and soon found out that her interest only developed with time.
Rajiv Trivedi, IPS (DGP, Prisons and Correctional Services, Telangana State), guided her to take on freestyle swimming. “Looking back, I can’t thank him enough for his suggestions,” says Syamala, who practises swimming for five hours every day at the Gachibowli stadium under the guidance of coach Ayush Yadav.
Swimming comfortably in deep waters
Syamala recounts how some cautioned her against picking up swimming as a career. “But Mohan, my husband, supported and encouraged my decision,” says Syamala. Now, participating in national and international competitions have only made her determined and poised for higher honours.