Shams Aalam, from Madhubani district, has achieved an inspiring milestone by overcoming significant challenges. Recently, he made history by setting a world record in swimming at the 14th National Takshshila Open Water Swimming Competition in Patna. Against all odds, he swam 13 kilometres in the Ganges River, starting from Shiv Ghat Digha and finishing at Law College Ghat.

Martial Arts

Shams Aalam began his career in martial arts, achieving the rank of black belt. However, at the age of 24, his life changed dramatically when a severe spinal cord condition left him paralysed from the waist down. Despite this setback, he refused to give up. Motivated by the support of his doctors and family, Shams chose to pursue a career in swimming.

Achievements

Shams embraced swimming as his new support. Facing challenging situations in the water and transforming his weakness into strength was no easy feat. He committed to regular practice, continuously striving for self-improvement, and before long, he emerged as a successful swimmer.

Setting a record

Shams Aalam took part in the Open Water Swimming Competition held in Patna, which presented numerous challenges for him. Swimming in the unpredictable conditions of the Ganges River was vastly different from the controlled environment of a regular pool. Nevertheless, Shams successfully covered a distance of 13 kilometres, setting a world record and establishing his reputation as an accomplished swimmer.

Swimming in open water 

38-year-old Shams explains that as soon as he learned about the competition, he began his preparations. He acknowledges that swimming in open water is both dangerous and challenging, but his confidence and training enabled him to tackle this difficult endeavour. He emphasises that mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training in this type of swimming.

Family support

Shams's family stood by him throughout his struggles. His elder brother explains that their family's financial situation was challenging, which hindered Shams's access to proper treatment and caused his condition to worsen over time. Nonetheless, swimming has always been an integral part of Shams's life. His brother notes that Shams has consistently nurtured his love and passion for swimming every single day.

His father, Mohammad Nasir, and mother, Shakeela Khatoon, are proud of their son's achievements. His father recalls that Shams was very talented in both academics and sports from a young age, but their family's financial difficulties limited his access to resources. Shams learned to swim at a very young age in the village pond, where he developed the basics of his swimming skills.