Meet Dattu Bhokanal, the lone Indian rower to qualify for Rio Olympics, who was once scared of water

For Dattu Baban Bhokanal, the lone Indian rower to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics, overcoming his fear of water emerged as the best thing ever for him.

The 24-year-old’s story is nothing less than inspiring and exudes the best example of grit and determination.

Indian rower Bhokanal qualified for Rio Olympics in the men’s singles sculls category as he finished second in the Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualification Regatta in South Korea.

Bhokanal, who comes from a tiny village in Maharashtra Talegaon where water is considered equivalent to gold, never thought he would end up rowing as he was scared of water.

“I never thought water could be used for sports as well. In our village, water is very scarce. I used to think if I jump into the water, I will drown. There was a huge phobia regarding water,” said Bhokanal.

Early life

Coming from a drought-hit village and achieving such heights, Bhokanal’s story is inspiring.

He is the eldest to his two brothers and usually used to spend his early days in agricultural field with his father.

“I used to go to school and then mostly spend my days in the fields, do farming with my father, ride tractor, bike. I was never interested in studies and always wanted to do business,” said Bhokanal.

But his destiny took a sharp turn when his father died. He had to look after his family and it is then he decided to join the army.

“I moved to Pune to join the army and earn for my family. Here I was introduced to rowing,” said Bhokanal.

Army life

“I had never seen so much water in my life. My coach at the army was adamant that I take up rowing. I had water phobia but I had to do it. So, I just hit the boat. It did topple a number of times but my fear of drowning went away,” said 6 feet 4 inch tall Bhokanal.

Bhokanal’s coach Ismail Baig, Dronacharya and chief national rowing coach, worked on him and the results are evident.

Qualifying for Olympics

Bhokanal clocked 7 minutes 07.49 second in the two kilometre course. However, he could not celebrate his sweet success with his mother, who was then in coma.

“When I qualified for Olympics, my mother was in hospital and could not recognise any one. But now she’s fine and doing better,” said Bhokanal.

The Indian rower will be soon going to the US for his training and will be coached by Paul Mokha.

“To get a medal in Olympics, I have to clock around 6 minutes 36 seconds and I am working hard towards it,” said Bhokanal.

Speaking about pressure, Bhokanal said he is just focussing on his timing and practice sessions.

“There is little bit of pressure but I am just focussed on rowing only. I know there are lot of expectations from me as I am representing India but my mind is free and I just have to perform well,” said Bhokanal, whose never give up attitude has brought him to this level.

(Image: Twitter)