Fariha Zaman looking forward to mentor Assam’s swimmers

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Once a dominant force in national and international swimming events, Fariha Zaman — a well-known name in Assam’s swimming scene — is now ready to give back to the sport that defined her. After retiring from professional swimming, Fariha is looking forward to working with local swimmers, guiding and mentoring them to become future stars.

In an exclusive interview with The Sentinel, Fariha  — a medalist at the 2007 National Games hosted by Assam — opens up about her journey, the current state of swimming in Assam, and her plans to contribute to the sport. Here are excerpts from the conversation:

The Sentinel (TS): Can you still recall your medal-winning moments at the 2007 National Games in Guwahati?

Fariha: Absolutely! Those were some of the most memorable moments of my career. I feel nostalgic every time I think of those days. It was a proud moment for me and for Assam, especially since we were hosting the National Games for the first time. The support was overwhelming — people traveled from far just to watch us and cheer. The atmosphere was electric.

TS: The 2007 National Games gave a boost to sports in Assam. Do you agree?

Fariha: Definitely! Even just in swimming, the progress has been significant. Back in my time, Guwahati had only two pools — Bimala Prasad Chaliha Swimming Pool and Dolphin Swimming pool. Now, there are multiple modern pools. The Sarusajai Sports Complex alone has two swimming pools and a diving pool. I recently attended the Khel Maharan at Sarusajai and was amazed to see rural swimmers competing in such well-equipped facilities, even with underwater cameras! It’s truly impressive.

TS: You’ve recently been spotted at the Guwahati swimming pool again. What brings you back?

Fariha: Yes, I’m planning to get involved with local swimming once again. I want to share my experience and knowledge with Assam’s young swimmers and help them reach national and international standards.

TS: Are you currently associated with any organization?

Fariha: Not officially, but I’m in touch with a few organizations, including the Sports Authority of Assam. Discussions are ongoing, and I hope to finalize something soon.

TS: What’s your assessment of the current swimming scene in Assam?

Fariha: Assam has no shortage of talent — that’s clear from the number of strong swimmers we’ve seen over the years. However, better planning is needed. Many promising athletes quit the sport at a young age due to academic pressure. While education is important, we shouldn’t lose such talent because of poor time management. With the right support and balance, a student can succeed in both academics and sports. Parents need to be more aware of this.

TS: What are the main challenges young swimmers faces and what advice would you offer?

Fariha: The biggest issue is the lack of proper coaching at the beginner level. If swimmers don’t learn the correct techniques early, they risk serious injuries later. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to ensure their children are training under qualified coaches. Mental strength is another key factor. A swimmer needs resilience to face setbacks and keep going. It’s just as important as physical training.

TS: How do you view State Government’s role in promoting sports?

Fariha:  It’s commendable! Since the 2007 National Games, the State Government has built several modern sports infrastructure across Assam, which is helping athletes tremendously. The introduction of events like Khel Maharan is a fantastic initiative. I was part of the swimmers selection panel during the recent Khel Maharan and was truly impressed with the facilities available to athletes — especially those from rural areas. Competing in such well-equipped venues used to be a dream, and now it’s becoming a reality.

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