'To win an Asian Games medal was a dream come true'

Indian swimmer Khajan Singh won a silver medal at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul.

Swimming is a popular sport but, of course, it has to compete with other big disciplines.

To me, swimming was a major part of my growing up years. We had a whole village of swimmers and it was a very intense competition among ourselves. Slowly, we learnt to swim and then to compete.

To win an Asian Games medal in 1986 was a dream come true. I remember Sportstar highlighting my progress in swimming. The best part was that the magazine believed in encouraging sportsmen, especially the youngsters.

It is a quality sports magazine and I wish them well in the times to come.

(As told to Vijay Lokapally)