Para swimmer Shams Aalam sets world record at 14th National Takshila Open Water Swimming Competition 2024 | India News – Times of India

Shams Aalama record breaking one Para swimmer from Rathaus village in Madhubani district of Bihar, has created history as the first paraplegic swimmer to successfully complete the National Takshila Open water swimming Competition last Sunday. The event, in its 14th edition this year, covered a challenging 13 km course along the Ganga River in Patna, from Shiva Ghat Digha to Law College Ghat. The Bihar Swimming Association, affiliated to the Swimming Federation of India, organized the competition, which featured participants from each state, with a total of around 50 participants. The event is a shining example of inclusive sports in India, welcoming male and female participants while advocating for disability inclusion, with another Para swimmer taking part in the event besides Shams. Shams completed the grueling 13km course in just over 2 hours, setting a world record for the longest distance swim in open water by a swimmer with a spinal cord injury, an achievement certified by the World Records Union.
Shams’ sporting career began with a black belt in martial arts, but at the age of 24 a life-changing diagnosis and botched surgery left him paralyzed from the waist down. Encouraged by his doctor and those around him, he took up swimming and in 2012 won silver and bronze at a state championship. Ten years later, he won multiple medals in state, national and international competitions, including most recently gold, silver and bronze at the 24th National Para-Swimming Championship in Goa. Shams, a TEDx speaker and advocate for para sports and accessibility, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State, the President of India and the Government of Bihar for his efforts in promoting inclusion and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
Shams is one of 17 Para athletes supported by CBM Indiaa non-profit organization committed to promoting an inclusive society in which people with disabilities can reach their full potential. Through its Inclusive Sports programme, funded by a CSR initiative of one of its donors, CBM India provides customized support to athletes based on their specific needs. Launched with eight athletes in its first year, the program has expanded significantly, allowing athletes like Shams to achieve their dreams with consistent financial support.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Shams Aalam said: “Breaking this world record and completing the competition is a dream come true. The sponsorship of CBM India has really been a game changer for me. It has not only helped me with financial aspects, but also given me the confidence and tools to focus on my performance and strive for excellence. This support marked a turning point in my career and I am very grateful for the impact it has had in enabling me to pursue my goals.”
Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India, commented, “We are immensely proud of Shams’ groundbreaking achievement. His willpower and achievements highlight the potential of every individual when given equal opportunities. This sponsorship is in line with our mission to to promote inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.”
Prof. Maya Shankar, President, Bihar Swimming Association, Mr. Ram Bilas Pandey, Secretary, Bihar Swimming Association, and Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Bihar Swimming Association, jointly stated: “The participation of Para swimmers in the This year’s National Takshila Open Water Swimming Competition showcases the untapped potential of Indian swimming. This competition proves that competitive swimming can and should be accessible to everyone with the right support and dedication. We hope this sets a precedent for other sporting events across the country to embrace inclusion as a standard practice.”
This historic achievement marks a major milestone in competitive swimming, challenging the conventional boundaries between para and mainstream sports. Shams’ world record at this year’s National Takshila Open Water Swimming Competition sets a new benchmark for open water swimming while paving the way for more inclusive sporting events across India.
About CBM India:
CBM India is a leading non-profit development organization committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in India’s poorest communities. They work with persons with disabilities, their representative organizations, community organizations, institutions and government to remove cultural and environmental barriers to the full participation of persons with disabilities in health, education and livelihoods. They strive to create an inclusive society in which all persons with disabilities can realize their full potential. In 2023-2024, they reached over 32 lakh people, including persons with disabilities, across India.
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