"Compared to ten years ago, the state of swimming in India has improved a lot" - Kutral Ramesh Interview

Kutral Ramesh

Kutral Ramesh, popularly known as Kutraleeswaran, is an Indian swimmer.

A marathon swimmer, Ramesh was born and brought up in Tamil Nadu. At just 13 years of age, he swam across the English Channel in 1994.

The same year he swam across 6 channels to break Mihir Sen’s record of swimming across 5 channels in a calendar year. Kutral’s name was included in Guinness Book of World Records for this feat.

Kutral won the Arjuna Award in 1996.

Despite such great feats, lack of sponsors led to Kutral leaving the sport after much struggles. It would remain a nation’s loss that due to financial issues, a great talent was lost.

He was in conversation with Sportskeeda recently. Here’re the excerpts:

In 1994, you were offered all training facilities provided you represented Italy at the Atlanta Olympics, which you turned down. Do you think it was a mistake?

Well, they weren’t just specifically sponsoring me for Atlanta Olympics but my whole career.

The decision on my part was pretty spontaneous as me and my parents were sure of one thing, which was that I will only represent Indian and not any other country.

I never even for a second had second thoughts about my decision. As of now, I am at a very good stage in my career. I don’t think this would have been possible if I would have continued with marathon swimming.

Is there any future for swimmers in India?

Yes, definitely. If you were to compare today’s situation to ten years back, it has improved a lot. There is a lot of exposure.

I remember that when I used to swim, there were hardly many swimming pools. I hardly used to see kids in the pool. The scene has changed now, and there are swimming pools in every possible locality.

The number of people taking up swimming professionally has increased too. They are even getting a little support from the Government, associations and corporates which is good for the sport.

How tough is it for a sportsman to succeed in India if he’s not a cricketer?

It is tough for a player to succeed if he’s not a cricketer however it is not impossible. We have seen recently focus has shifted to other sports and players as well.

However, cricketers make a lot of money than players from other sports. In other countries, if you excel in some sports you are eligible for good jobs. But here, unless you have a good academic background, you will not get any job.

Therefore, it becomes very difficult for other sportsmen.

Do you blame cricket for not letting other sports flourish in India?

Well, we can’t blame cricket alone. Instead, we should blame ourselves. Majority of the Indian population enjoys cricket.

It’s a mindset you see. Now the times have changed, and if one really works hard for it, he or she can make a name for himself/herself.

Why do sponsors have an aversion to any other sport that is not cricket?

It’s like a vicious cycle you see. Sponsors want to spend money on a game which can attract maximum eyeballs for them.

It’s a natural phenomenon. For example, Marathon swimming was non-existent and not at all known to the public. When I approached some corporate companies for sponsorship, they told me clearly that they only spent on sports from which they could benefit.

So that’s how it works. Fortunately nowadays if one is doing well in their respective sports, sponsors are coming in and supporting them.

From 1994 to 2013, have there been any major improvements in India’s swimming facilities? Can young swimmers dream of representing the country in more than just junior meets?

There have been tremendous changes, for the good of swimmers. I think lots of them are already representing India throughout the year in different tournaments.

Lot of good coaches are available to train the Indian team, including foreign coaches as well.

What is so attractive about the sea that made you swim across so many channels, that too at a tender age?

Well, thanks to my parents who understood my love for swimming and supported me in pursuing my dream. I always loved to be in the water.

I participated for the first time at the age of 9 in a Chennai Open Race, and I completely enjoyed swimming in the open waters. I told my parents about it, and they took me seriously.

Marathon swimming is tough. Any favorite accomplishment?

In Marathon swimming, 1-5 km was my target. I have made podium finishes when I was 13 or 14 while others were 23. Looking back I think all those were great accomplishments.

Edited by Staff Editor