Olympian Sajan Prakash Calls Out Govt Inaction In Sports: 'Fix The System Or Forget The Medals'

Last Updated:January 19, 2026, 17:58 IST

Sajan Prakash, double Olympian and Arjuna Award winner, urges government action for elite athlete support, highlighting gaps in Indian swimming and long-term Olympic ambitions.

Indian Swimmer Sajan Prakash (IANS Photo)

Sajan Prakash isn’t asking for sympathy. He’s asking for answers.

India’s most accomplished swimmer, a double Olympian and Arjuna Award winner, has publicly questioned the lack of initiative and direction from the government when it comes to supporting elite athletes — particularly in a sport as resource-heavy and unforgiving as swimming.

His message, shared through a candid Instagram post, was pointed, measured and impossible to ignore.

Sajan acknowledged the scale of investment in Indian sport, but made it clear that money alone isn’t the issue.

“The government, MYAS, and SAI have huge budgets for sports. They spend a lot on programs like Khelo India and other development initiatives, which are genuinely great for building a future," he wrote.

The problem, he stressed, lies in what happens after talent is identified and nurtured.

“But my concern is this: why is there virtually no systematic support for elite athletes?"

Sajan didn’t accuse — he questioned. Is it flawed budgeting? A lack of understanding of elite-level demands? Or a system that only backs athletes once medals are all but guaranteed?

“Is it a flaw in budget allocation? Is it a lack of awareness among decision-makers about our specific challenges? Or is the goal simply to maintain a handful of athletes in TOPS who are already assured of medals?"

“I don’t have the answer. But this question needs to be at the forefront."

For Indian swimming, his warning was stark.

“How will we ever see a rise in Indian swimming if proven, senior athletes are just left alone?"

Swimming, he pointed out, is brutally global and relentlessly competitive — and without continuous, structured support, Indian athletes are simply falling behind.

“The truth: It is an immense challenge to compete with the world, especially in swimming. Without a system that supports athletes at all stages, we are only falling further behind."

Sajan also tied his concerns to the bigger picture — India’s long-term Olympic ambitions.

“If the Olympics are held in India ten years from now, we need to fix this system as soon as possible. We cannot build champions only to ignore them before the biggest races."

His closing line cut through any defensiveness.

“If someone can fix this instead of getting offended, that’s the change we need."

Sajan Prakash knows what elite performance demands. He made history as the first Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympics by achieving an ‘A’ standard, has competed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and carried Indian swimming on the world stage for nearly a decade.

His message isn’t merely emotional; it’s informed. And it’s aimed squarely at those with the power to act.

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