Bhopal: Gwalior's para-swimmer Satyendra Singh received the best sportsperson of the year award at a function organised in Bengaluru for his outstanding work in sports. Satyendra told TOI that he is determined to prove that anything could be achieved if there is a will.
"I am thankful that I have got such a prestigious award. However, my journey has not finished as yet, I have to achieve more.
I remember the day when I was told that I can't make it big at international level as I am physically challenged. This is the answer to those people who think that differently-abled can't make it big."
In 2019, the Indian para-swimming team, comprising Satendra Singh, had become the first from Asia to have crossed the Catalina Channel in the US. The Indian para team had also crossed the English Channel too. The Indian team --comprising Satendra and five others -- had attempted to the cross the channel in the US. Incidentally, Satyendra was named in Limca Book of Records for conquering the English Channel in 2018. He has also won the Tenzing award which is is given in four categories — land adventure, water adventure, air adventure and lifetime achievement.
Satyendra said that it is a big honour for him to be selected for such a prestigious award. “It is a like a dream come true for me. My efforts have started paying dividends. I wanted to prove that physical disability can't stop anyone from achieving one’s dream. It only requires courage to prove oneself,” said Satyendra, who has physical disability in his legs.