Other countries have promised to do a lot for us: Nisha Millet

there's a limit to which a person may be taken for granted. and if the person happens to be somebody with a shining talent, it is possible that the limit edge may be around the corner. swimmers nisha and reshma millet have been receiving a spate of offers to study and swim for other countries and though they have not seriously considered any, the situation could change if the indian government does not keep to it's promises.in march, the sisters were informed that both their names are included in the five scholarships being awarded by the government of india for sports persons, but nothing has been heard from the ministry thereafter. the scholarship is meant to cover all training costs and materials which are considerable in any sport. nisha's parents have invested more than rs 25 lakh in her training so far. "we have got offers to swim for other countries who'll do a lot for us, the options are always open," acknowledges nisha in an exclusive communication from down under. in fact, colleges from the us and canada have even sent her the details and forms, but "i'm trying to work out something here for i love perth, my team, my coach and the way my career is progressing." `here' is australia, where nisha is currently training for the olympics. last tuesday, she qualified for the 200 metres free style by clocking 2:06:80 at the australian national junior championships. this makes her the first indian swimmer to ever qualify for the olympics. she says, "i was up with the best of my age group not only from all over australia, but new zealand and south africa too, 1,100 swimmers in all. it was much tougher than our small invitational asian meets." does she feel upset with india when she encounters superior swimmers from other countries? she replies, "i used to feel very demotivated earlier, but now i'm closing the gap and after swimming with 2 world ranked swimmers in my club, i've realized they are human like us but their focus and power is amazing." the flip side is that because of her training she missed her ii pu board exams, and because of the olympics, she is going to miss the chance of appearing in september as well. "i feel sad for i studied a lot this year, but i'm hoping to approach the puc board to see if they will still grant me a chance of doing it later this year," she says wistfully. she consoles herself with the fact that almost all the swimmers there have given up studies "without a tear". she says, "it's a price you have to pay, to get amazing results in swimming." she is looking at the best universities in australia to pursue a career in the relatively new field of sports psychology. and though she is crazily happy with her new lifestyle in perth, "bangalore will always be home for me." love life? she shoots back, "no aussie boyfriends, my swimming takes up full time, gotta keep my focus on the olympics. plus indian guys are much smarter." what is the target she has set for herself for the olympics? she says honestly, "realistically, a medal is out of reach this time, but i'm trying to qualify for the finals and get my timing down in all my events to match world standards." when contacted, their father, mentor and decision-maker aubrey millet said, "nisha will continue to represent india, reshma too. we will consider offers from another country only as a last resort, if she keeps performing and is yet left out of important contests."