Malick Asghar Hashmi/New Delhi

Shams Alam of Bihar's Madhubani district, who won two gold and one bronze medal in the 22nd National Para Swimming Championship held in Guwahati, has jumped to the third place in his Asian and to 18^th in his International rankings.

However, the victory and ranking jump has not left Shamas to celebrate and enjoy. Soon after returning from Guwahati, he is back to the Sports Authority of India camp in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for training.

Shams Alam told Awaz-the voice on phone that he is preparing for the Asian Games and the Paris Olympics. He is expected to represent India in the 2024 Para Olympics.

Delighted to inform you that I have won 2 Gold and 1 Bronze medal in XXII National Para Swimming Championship held on 11-13 November 2022 at Guwahati. I would like to thank my coaches, family, friends and support staff of Sports authority of India Gandhinagar for supporting me. pic.twitter.com/0Mab7QrG03

— Shams Aalam (@IamShamsAalam) November 14, 2022

Shams, a resident of Bihar, is constantly traveling to Mumbai, Gujarat and Delhi for the Para Games. Since he is also a motivational speaker, he has to juggle jobs.

Shams Alam says, “Do not give up under any circumstances.”

Shams Alam was born on 17 July 1986 in Rathos village of Madhubani to Mohammad Naseer. Alam was fond of swimming since childhood. Shams Alam spent his entire childhood in Madhubani. One day his family decided to send him to Mumbai for studies.

He started studying in a government school in Mumbai and started learning martial arts in school. He also won many medals in competitions. His passion for swimming and martial arts made him aspire for the Asian Games.

However, destiny had different plans for him

A few years back, during practice, Shams Alam started feeling mild pain in his back, which affected his gait

ALSO READ: Para-swimmer Shams Alam converted disability into a strength

Doctors detected a tumor in his spinal cord and advised surgery. Instead of participating in the Asian Games, Alam found himself on a hospital bed preparing for surgery.The surgery left him paralysed in his lower body. (Read his fully story in Also Read)