A Life Etched in Water - Manikandan Kandeth
“Swimming is not merely about conquering water; it is about conquering
the fear within.”
As a growing up adolescent at 12, Manikandan Kandeth of Kousthubham,
Perinkulam, Palakkad from the state of Kerala was afraid of water. With the
encouragement of his father K. Govindankutty Nair and the guidance of coach V.
Valsakumar, he turned that fear into a lifelong passion. What began as a
childhood challenge soon became a remarkable journey.
A member of the Kerala University Swimming Team, Manikandan gained
valuable exposure as a young athlete. His sporting ability eventually opened
the doors to the Indian Navy through the sports quota from St. Thomas College,
Pala. Representing the Indian Navy in Services Swimming Championships and other
competitions, he also repeatedly participated in sea-swimming events, braving
difficult and unforgiving waters without surrendering his determination to win.
After 16 years of service, he retired as a Chief Petty Officer serving
at different destinations including Mumbai, Kochi and Sri Lanka. But retirement
could not retire the swimmer in him. For the next 21 years, he carried his
passion, working at institutions including Good Shepherd International School,
Ooty, and Indian Public School, Erode. As a swimming mentor, he helped nurture
generations of young swimmers, many of whom went on to excel in the sport.
Even after leaving school employment, the teacher within him remained
active. At a local pond, and with the support of fellow athletes, he taught more
than 200 children swimming free of cost, passing on not merely a sport, but an
essential life skill.
For the past 50 years, Manikandan Kandeth has continued competing in State
and National Masters Swimming Meets, participating in 20 Masters Meets and
winning numerous medals and certificates. His performances have earned him
selections for international Masters competitions, although financial
constraints prevented him from representing himself on the world stage.
At 63, his discipline remains undiminished. For him, missing a day of
practice is almost unthinkable. He is in
New Delhi to participate in the National Masters Swimming Tournament to be held
at Bahadurgarh, Haryana between 10th
and 13the September, 2026.
“The water does not ask your age. It only asks how determined you are to
keep moving.”
He entered the water to overcome fear. He stayed in it to discover
himself and now teaches others how to swim beyond their own limitations. Manikandan's story is therefore not simply
about medals, championships or records. It is about fear transformed into
courage, passion transformed into purpose, and experience transformed into
inspiration. He is a true legend who deserves to be decorated with National Honours.
“A swimmer never really stops moving; every stroke is a promise to
become better than yesterday.”
