Vadodara Teen Arush Lanjewar Shatters National Deaf Swimming Record
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, seventeen-year-old Arush Lanjewar, a swimmer based in Vadodara, has achieved a significant milestone by breaking a national record at the National Deaf Swimming Championship. This achievement follows his historic qualification as the first Gujarati for the Deaflympics last year, cementing his status as a rising star in Indian sports.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Lanjewar clocked an impressive 1:05 seconds in the men's 100m butterfly event, surpassing the previous national record of 1:07 seconds held by Atul Jaiswal. This feat establishes him as the fastest swimmer in this category across the country, showcasing his dedication and skill in the pool.
"It's a thrilling experience to be a national record holder. I trained hard for this tournament, and my dream of breaking the record has come true," Lanjewar expressed with enthusiasm. His coach, Vivek Singh Borliya, attributed this success to Arush's unwavering discipline and rigorous training regimen. "He practises for several hours every day. I was confident he would perform well and break the national record," Borliya stated proudly.
Journey from Recreation to Competition
Arush's journey into swimming began during his childhood summers when his mother, Kadambani, would take him to the pool for recreational activities. What started as a fun pastime gradually evolved into a serious pursuit, leading him to step into competitive swimming about four years ago.
However, the initial phase presented unique challenges. As a hearing-impaired individual, Arush had to remove his hearing aid while swimming, which made it difficult to follow instructions during training sessions. Despite this obstacle, he adapted quickly and continued to improve his techniques, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
To further hone his skills, Lanjewar joined the District Level Sports School (DLSS), an initiative by the Sports Authority of Gujarat, where he received expert guidance under Coach Borliya. This structured training environment played a crucial role in his development as a competitive swimmer.
A Growing List of Accolades
This latest record-breaking performance adds to an already impressive list of achievements for the young athlete. In April 2025, Arush secured two gold medals in the 50m and 100m butterfly events, along with two silver medals in the 200m individual medley and 200m freestyle at the National Deaf Swimming Championships.
Earlier accomplishments include a silver medal in the 400-metre individual medley at the 2023 CBSE zonal competition in Bhopal. In 2024, he earned bronze medals in the 800-metre freestyle and 200m individual medley at the CBSE zonals in Indore, followed by two more bronze medals in the 50m freestyle and 200m individual medley at an SFI meet in Rajkot.
Arush Lanjewar's story is a testament to perseverance and talent, inspiring many in the deaf community and beyond. As he continues to train and compete, his future in swimming looks incredibly promising, with potential for even greater successes on national and international stages.
