Photo via Hindustan Times

Sachin Nag: Asian Games first and a gold that stands alone

Reflecting on Sachin Nag's historical athletic achievements, a look back reveals remarkable dedication. Born in Varanasi and later based in Calcutta, he overcame numerous obstacles, including a childhood injury and a gunshot wound during riots, to excel in aquatic sports.

To fund his journey to the London Olympics, he washed transport vehicles and relied on his childhood friend Hemanta Mukhopadhyay to organize financial support. He later competed in the 1951 inaugural Asian Games hosted in New Delhi, securing a gold medal in the 100 meters freestyle event that remains unmatched in the nation's swimming history.

Before that historic victory, he funded his own training at a European-owned luxury hotel pool after being turned away by organizing secretary GS Sondhi, eventually securing the support of the hotel's Italian manager.