Interviews
BeyondBooks: ‘Trust your effort and have self-belief’
Apeejay School, Faridabad, has supported this swimmer by providing daily morning practice sessions with trained coaches
Meet Niyati Khar, a determined Class X student of Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, whose love for swimming and dance keeps her energetic and focused. From early lessons to competitive races, she balances academics and sport with confidence, discipline, and passion, inspiring others through dedication, resilience, and her recent silver medal win.
Read her journey…
Since when have you been swimming?
I first learnt swimming basics in Class IV at a local pool, but I began serious training last year, where coaches taught me freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, helping me build technique, stamina, and confidence every single day.
Which is your favourite swimming style?
Breaststroke is my favourite stroke because it feels smooth, rhythmic, and controlled. I enjoy the glide between pulls and kicks, which allows me to maintain balance and conserve energy while moving steadily through the water with comfort and confidence.
How did you feel after winning the Silver?
Winning the silver medal at the district competition felt amazing because we had practised for only two months. Seeing my hard work pay off motivated me to train harder, refine my strokes, and believe that dedication can quickly bring improvement.
Which stroke is most challenging for you?
Backstroke has been the most challenging for me because coordinating my arms while floating on my back feels difficult. Maintaining direction without seeing ahead requires practice, so I am gradually working on balance, timing, and confidence to improve performance daily.
How do you prepare yourself mentally before a race?
Before every race, I calm my mind, take deep breaths, and focus only on my technique. Instead of watching competitors, I visualise each stroke smoothly and remind myself to stay relaxed, because confidence and concentration help me swim faster today.
What improvements are you aiming for next?
My next goals are to strengthen my breaststroke, increase speed, and perfect turns and finishes. I also want to learn the butterfly stroke and practice all styles regularly so I can compete in more events with better overall performance soon.
How has your school supported you?
The school has supported me greatly by providing daily morning practice sessions with trained coaches. We could swim free of cost, receive guidance on techniques, and get feedback, which improved my strokes, timing, and overall confidence significantly every single day.
