Tirthank Pegu: Rising Star in Swimming with Olympic Aspirations
A Young Swimmer's Journey to Success
Tirthank Pegu (Right) with his coach Sandeep Sejwal
Guwahati, Nov 13: At just 17 years old, Tirthank Pegu showcases remarkable confidence both in and out of the pool. The swimmer from Jorhat recently achieved a significant milestone by securing a bronze medal at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games held in Dakar. He attributes much of his success to his coach, Sandeep Sejwal, who has played a pivotal role in shaping his swimming abilities and personal growth.
“All credit goes to Sandeep sir,” Tirthank remarked when asked about his impressive communication skills at such a young age.
“In training, he emphasizes the importance of hard work and encourages me to listen closely to his guidance. Beyond swimming, he instills good manners and effective communication skills in me,” he added.
Training at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Ballari, Karnataka, Tirthank made history as the first Indian male swimmer to earn a medal at the Youth Olympic Games, finishing third in the 200m butterfly final with a time of 2:01.25.
Although he narrowly missed a medal in the 100m final, the experience taught him valuable lessons.
“I learned that I need to cultivate more self-confidence. I must stop doubting my abilities and start believing in my potential. That’s the most important lesson I’ve taken away,” he reflected.
Overcoming the disappointment from the 100m final was challenging.
“I felt really down and demotivated. I wasn’t in a good mental space. I only spoke to my coach and my mother, along with one senior swimmer. Eventually, I managed to refocus and prepare for the next event,” he recounted.
His late father, Kunal Pegu, remains a significant influence in his life, serving as his greatest inspiration.
“My father was instrumental in my swimming journey. He played a major role in my first national medal in 2022, often sacrificing his own time to attend my training sessions. He was my coach, gym trainer, and nutritionist all in one,” Tirthank shared.
He recalled a poignant moment before the 2022 National Championships when his father took time off work to care for him during a serious illness.
“I will always cherish that memory,” he said.
Since his father's passing in 2024, his mother, Protima Pegu, has been his primary source of emotional support.
The 200m butterfly, known for its demanding nature, has become Tirthank's favorite event, although he briefly shifted to freestyle before returning to butterfly.
“After 2022, I focused on freestyle, but upon joining IIS, I returned to butterfly. I hadn’t swum it for nearly three years, but I achieved a remarkable time at the Junior National Championships and broke the national record. I believe butterfly is my natural strength,” he explained.
Tirthank joined IIS in 2024 under the guidance of former Olympian Sejwal after previously training at the Sports Authority of India center in Delhi.
With his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Tirthank is determined to face the challenges ahead with a positive mindset.
“I understand that achieving my Olympic dream requires immense effort, but I truly believe it’s attainable. We must maintain a positive outlook and trust in our abilities to make it happen,” he concluded.