Sri Lankan para-swimmer Naveed Raheem finishes 10th overall in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S9, showcasing his talent and determination on the world stage.
Naveed Raheem, a determined 19-year-old para-swimmer from Ragama, Sri Lanka, recently competed in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S9 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He finished 5th in Heat 1 and placed 10th overall with a time of 4:42.71, narrowly missing the finals. Despite this outcome, Raheem’s performance is a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport.
Raheem currently studies at D.S. Senanayake College in Colombo, balancing his academic commitments with his passion for swimming. His journey in swimming began unexpectedly in 2015 when he attended his brother’s swimming practice and was invited to join the training.
Born with a disability, Naveed has demonstrated remarkable abilities that have captured the world’s attention. His first international representation came at the 2017 Dubai Asian Youth Para Games, under the coach Julian Bolling where he competed in swimming events.
At just 16 years old, Naveed achieved a significant milestone by winning a bronze medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games. Despite doubts about his chances at the 2022 Asian Para Games, Naveed defied expectations by securing another bronze in the same event, leaving everyone amazed. In 2024, he was selected for the finals at the Para Swimming World Championships held in Singapore, showcasing his growth as a young athlete.
Raheem has been making significant progress in para-swimming, training under coach Manoj Abeysinghe at Killer Whale Aquatics (KWA). His achievements include a bronze medal in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S9 at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, marking Sri Lanka’s first major win in swimming at the Games in nearly 13 years. These accomplishments highlight his rapid development and commitment to the sport, particularly a notable 10-second improvement in his performance leading up to the Asian Para Games.
Reflecting on his selection for the Paris Paralympic Games, Naveed expressed his excitement: “The day I got to know that I was selected for the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games was an unforgettable moment in my life. It has been 20 years since Sri Lanka last represented swimming in the Paralympics, and I am gutted to perform at and bring out my best, to bring honour to my country, and improve my world ranking.”
Raheem’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics is significant, as it reflects a broader resurgence of Sri Lankan athletes in para-sports, breaking a 20-year drought in Paralympic representation for the country. His journey and achievements continue to inspire many, showcasing not only his athletic prowess but also the potential for future success in international competitions.
As he and his supporters reflect on his performance in Paris, Raheem’s determination and skill remain a source of pride for Sri Lanka, promising further achievements in the future.
Written by Nadun Kumarasinghe | Moraspirit