History-Maker Tirthank Pegu Sets Sights On Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Indian swimmer Tirthank Pegu, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian male swimmer to win a medal at the Youth Olympics, has set his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, saying he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Olympian Sajan Prakash in the men's 200m butterfly event. Tirthank won a bronze medal in the men's 200m butterfly event with a time of 2:01.25 in the final, becoming the first Indian male swimmer to secure a medal at the Youth Olympics. He had qualified for the final after topping the heats with a time of 2:05.30. Egypt's Zain Ali claimed the gold medal in 1:57.88, while Vietnam's Duong Van Hoang Quy took silver with a time of 2:00.32.

Tirthank's historic achievement added to India's medal tally, which also included three medals in wrestling. Dhinidhi Desinghu also won bronze medals in the women's 100m and 200m freestyle events.

Speaking to ANI after his medal-winning performance, Tirthank expressed his delight and recalled the emotional moment he shared with his coach after the race.

"It feels amazing. I was really happy and exhausted while standing on the podium. My sir (coach) gave me a thumbs up and I was like, 'We did it finally'," he said.

The young swimmer credited his father for inspiring him to take up the sport and named Sandeep Sejwal and Sajan Prakash as his idols.

"My father was my motivation to swim. He was my main inspiration, and that motivation eventually became my passion. My idols are Sandeep Sejwal sir and Sajan Prakash. I have looked up to them since I was very young. They are idols for all Indian swimmers. I am also a 200m butterfly swimmer, so I am trying to follow in Sajan's footsteps," he added.

Looking ahead, Tirthank said his immediate focus is on preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where he hopes to achieve another milestone for Indian swimming.

"I feel like my journey has only just started. My focus is now on LA 2028. I want to qualify for the Olympics and become the first Indian swimmer to reach an Olympic final," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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