My father is a labourer, I live in a small thatched hut but I've represented Bihar in many swimming competitions and won several medals.
Seeing my interest in swimming, my father saved Rs 350 so that I could get a swimsuit. The person who trains us, bought the swimsuit from Patna.
On seeing the swimsuits of me and my two friends -- Savitri and Payal, who are also champion swimmers -- people in the village said: 'What is this?' But now we've participated in many competitions, so it doesn't matter.
We went to Goa for a swimming meet early this year but they put us in the 19-year category. Still I stood 6th.
We began swimming in the village pond when we were very young and people began telling us we were good. We trained in our village against the wishes of many villagers and try to be our best with whatever resources we have.
We wake up at 3 am every day and go to the pond to swim. We run and swim to build our stamina and swim for two-and-a-half hours every day. Then we come home, eat vegetable and roti and walk to school. It takes us an hour to reach school.
I don't eat anything during lunch because I am not eligible for the mid day meal scheme (the free lunch given to children up to Class V), so I stay hungry till I get back for dinner.
I like the freestyle best but do the breast stroke too and am learning the butterfly stroke. The three of us want to grow up and be able to study and swim. We hope we can become very good swimmers one day.
Image: Baby, right, Savitri and Payal train in the village pond. With limited resources the girls have become champion swimmers and have won many medals.
Also see: 23 lakh out-of-school kids to get education in Bihar
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