Ryan student bags gold in CBSE swimming championship
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Ryan student bags gold in CBSE swimming championship

Hanna Malhotra, a Class X student of Gurgaon's Ryan International School, takes home gold in the U-17 girls' category in CBSE zonal competition.

Ryan student bags gold in CBSE swimming championship Hanna Malhotra with principal Rekha Verma

Fifteen-year-old Hanna Malhotra, a student of Ryan International School, Sohna Road, Gurgaon, has done her school proud by winning a gold medal in 800 m freestyle in the CBSE zonal swimming championship in Ambala. The event was held between October 24 and October 26.

She had participated in the U-17 girls' category. The championship saw more than 500 students participating from 105 schools.

Malhotra someday hopes to represent India at the Olympics. Despite following a gruelling schedule every day, the Class X champ never misses her practice. After getting up at 4.30 am, she reaches her swimming academy, Baba Gang Nath Sports Club in Sector 14, at 5 am, where she practises for two hours and then heads to school. Back from school, she again hits the pool.

Malhotra has now been selected for the CBSE national championship.

She has been training for the past 10 years under coach Sandeep Tokas. Proud of his star student, he says, "She is a very dedicated girl, and very focused too. She will go places."  

Her mother, Kamakshi, is a teacher at the same school, while father Harish is an advocate at the Gurgoan district court. "She keeps busy, and has learnt to have breakfast in the car every day. It's been like this for 10 years. She has been going to different tournaments and competitions. We want to give her the best trainer, and everything else she needs to excel," says Harish.

The school, too, has been supportive. Principal Rekha Verma says, "She is a bright child and very focussed. We are trying to support her in every way we can."

Besides the current win, Malhotra has a track record of success. She has won silvers in 400 m and 200 m freestyle.