Pratyasa Ray’s Remarkable Journey from Water Therapy to Khelo India Star
At the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025, 23-year-old swimmer Pratyasa Ray delivered one of the most inspiring performances of the tournament. Representing Utkal University, she won three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze at the Sawai Man Singh Swimming Complex, further strengthening her position as one of India’s most promising university-level swimmers.
This year’s wins add to her already impressive tally of 18 medals over four editions of the KIUG—nine gold, seven silver, and multiple podium finishes in national and international meets.
But behind her success lies an extraordinary story of resilience. Pratyasa’s swimming journey began not as a sport, but as a lifesaving therapy.
Key Moments: From Illness to Poolside Triumph
Pratyasa was born healthy, but at just 21 days old, her body reacted adversely to antibiotics given to prevent infection. Her natural growth slowed drastically. By age three, her parents had visited numerous hospitals without any improvement.
Her mother Charushree Ray told SAI Media that she felt helpless until she read in Reader’s Digest that water therapy could help children with developmental problems. That one article changed everything.
With no swimming school ready to admit a child so young, Charushree personally entered the pool with Pratyasa in Sambalpur.
“The first days were full of crying and fear,” she recalled. “But within weeks, water became her comfort. Hospital visits reduced, and in three months, her health stabilised.”
Within two to three years, Pratyasa naturally increased her swimming distance from 25 metres to 50 metres. A local coach recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue competitive swimming.
At age eight, she began formal training at Jharsa Khaitan Swimming Complex under Rangnidhi Seth, and later at Kalinga Stadium, after her father’s transfer to Bhubaneswar.
Reactions: Family, Coaches, and Athlete Speak
Looking back, Pratyasa says she does not remember her early struggle, but trusts her mother’s account entirely.
“My mother’s decision changed my life,” she said. “A local coach recognized my potential and suggested I take up competitive training.”
Balancing academics and sport, Pratyasa is pursuing a double postgraduate degree at Utkal University, a testament to her discipline both in and out of the pool.
Her journey has impressed coaches across Odisha. She has competed in three editions of Khelo India Youth Games, winning four silver and three bronze medals, and delivered her best KIUG performance in Guwahati last year—four gold, one silver, one bronze—earning her the Eklavya Award from the Odisha Government.
Her mother, recalling the moment Pratyasa swam independently for the first time, said:
“It was as if water gave her strength. She realised swimming kept her healthy.”
Impact: Injury, Recovery, and Rising Ambition
Soon after her 2024 KIUG success, Pratyasa suffered a hairline fracture in her shoulder. Surgery wasn’t required, but the two-month rehabilitation kept her away from her main events—backstroke.
Determined not to lose momentum, she started competing in freestyle and longer races including 200m and 400m events to maintain conditioning.
Her comeback was swift: she secured gold in relay and silver in 100m backstroke at the Senior Nationals in September last year.
Now, her goal is clear:
Compete for India at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
“My aim is to improve my timing and qualify for the Asian Games. Before that, I want to participate in the World University Games. I love swimming, and every milestone motivates me,” she said.
Conclusion
From a three-year-old undergoing therapy to becoming one of India’s top university swimmers, Pratyasa Ray’s journey reflects grit, hope, and the life-changing power of sport. With continued support from her family, coaches and the Khelo India ecosystem, she remains on track to represent India on the biggest stages in Asia and beyond.
As she now eyes the Asian Games and World University Games, her story stands as a reminder that even the toughest beginnings can lead to extraordinary victories.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Pratyasa Ray’s story is not just about medals—it is about courage and transformation. What began as a mother’s desperate attempt to help her child grew into a remarkable sporting journey that continues to inspire young athletes across India. Her rise through the Khelo India system, combined with strong family support and personal determination, shows how grassroots sports programmes can shape world-class talent. As she prepares for bigger goals like the Asian Games and World University Games, Pratyasa represents the hope and potential of India’s next generation of swimmers. Her journey is far from over—and the best may be yet to come.