Swimming towards success: Meet Navya Birla

Navya Birla, a class 6 student of Apeejay School in Noida, has made waves in the swimming community with her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. Despite being relatively new to competitive swimming, Navya recently secured a well-deserved bronze medal in the District Gautam Budh Nagar Swimming Championship. Her remarkable achievement not only highlights her natural ability but also her aptitude to quickly learn and excel in the sport.

A Passion Ignited:

Navya’s journey in the world of swimming began as a result of her sheer curiosity and passion for exploring new challenges. While she had always been fascinated by water, it wasn’t until she witnessed a swimming competition that her desire to become a competitive swimmer was sparked.

The talented achiever says, “I started learning the sport before Covid-19 imposed lockdowns. It has been a year since my formal training. I just enjoy being in the water and my parents encouraged me to actively pursue the sport.” Navya is resolved to pursue swimming with a newfound fervour.

Dedication and Hard Work:

With her sights set on becoming a competitive swimmer, Navya wastes no time in immersing herself in training. Recognising the need for focused and intense practice, she dedicates herself to sessions under the guidance of experienced coaches. Mr Amit Birla, father of the child and a Solution Consultant at Kyndryl Solutions, says, “I tried many sports with Navya. She eventually zeroed down on swimming. Besides, I enrolled myself with her so that she can feel comfortable.” The parent charted out the path for the achiever and ensured that the whole ecosystem around her becomes conducive for her growth and learning.

Excelling in a Short Span:

One of the most remarkable aspects of Navya’s journey is her ability to learn and excel in a highly competitive environment. With a limited time frame of 15 days to prepare for the District Gautam Budh Nagar Swimming Championship, Navya exhibited exceptional adaptability and a hunger for knowledge. She says, “Participating in a competition was a very different experience for me. I worked hard for many days to ace it. I practiced many strokes, races, diving etc.” Amongst others, breast stroke in swimming is her favourite.

Even during the summer break, Navya was dedicating two hours to swimming every day. Her remarkable ability to grasp and implement new strategies allows her to stand out among her competitors. Further, she hopes to pursue the sport in future and looks up to Michael Phelps, the celebrated American swimmer. “His achievements, technique and hard work are remarkable,” says the ten-year-old student.

A Testament to Perseverance:

Navya’s success serves as a testament to her unwavering perseverance and determination. While many would consider 15 days an insufficient timeframe to prepare for a competitive event, Navya embraced the challenge and transformed it into an opportunity to showcase her talent. Her achievement not only reflects her individual calibre but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring swimmers who may be apprehensive about taking on new challenges.

According to Mrs Ritu Birla, mother of the child and a Data Analyst and Digital Marketing Analyst at a Dubai-based company, “Swimming requires investment – of time, effort and money. The most crucial aspect for us is to balance the entire day for Navya and allow her to provide equal attention to her sports and academics.”

Beyond the Pool:

As a student of Apeejay School in Noida, the talented girl epitomises the perfect balance between academics and sports. Her ability to manage her time effectively, prioritise her responsibilities, and excel in both domains exemplifies her exceptional work ethic and drive for success. She serves as a role model not only for her peers but for all those who believe in pursuing their passions alongside their academic pursuits. Navya now has her sights set on state-level championships. She is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of swimming, destined for greater achievements in the future.