Maana Patel

Maana Patel, born on December 26, 2000, in India, is a talented swimmer. Patel's passion for swimming began at an early age, and she quickly rose through the ranks with her dedication and hard work. Despite facing challenges, including a lack of proper facilities, Patel remained determined to succeed in the sport. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first Indian female swimmer to qualify for the Olympics in over two decades. Patel's achievements have inspired many aspiring swimmers in India and around the world. Her perseverance and courage continue to make her a role model for young athletes everywhere.

Here are some of her career major achievements

• At the age of 13, Maana clocked 2:23.41s in the 200m backstrokes at 40th Junior National Aquatics Championship in Hyderabad and broke the national record of 2:26.41s held by Shikha Tandon in 2009. 
• Bagged gold medals in 50 backstroke and 200-metre backstroke at the National Games. 
• Clinched a gold medal in the 100-metre backstroke at the 2015 National School Games and broke the national record in backstroke. 
• Along with Rashi Patel, Gitanjali Pandey and Dilpreet Kaur, Maana bagged the silver in 4X100 metre freestyle relay at the 2015 National School Games.
• Maana was selected for the Olympic Gold Quest in 2015. 
• Maana showed her impressive performance at the 2016 South Asian Games, won 2 gold medals, 3 silver medals and a bronze medal in the competition.
• Claimed 3 gold medals at the 2018 Senior National Aquatic Championships.
• Bagged six medals (1 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) at the 2019 Asian Age-group Championships, held in Bangalore.
• Earned two gold medals in the 50 m and 100 m backstroke and also a silver medal in the 2019 South Asian Games.