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JULY 16: Amar Murlidharan (15) has been the cynosure among the state men's swimmers. The Sardar Dastur High School (Pune) lad's career gr...

JULY 16: Amar Murlidharan (15) has been the cynosure among the state men’s swimmers. The Sardar Dastur High School (Pune) lad’s career graph (see box) is quite encouraging.

Amar places great emphasis on the twin mental factors of confidence and positiveness in charting his success. Amar’s dad, Cmdr Murlidharan, says his son firmly believes in the age-old adage that practice makes one perfect and never misses his four-hour daily practice sessions at the Balewadi Pool. Amar’s daily regimen also includes yoga and concentration exercises.

Cmdr Murlidharan says, “From very early, I prioritised in taking up challenges which is paying off today.”

Such is his confidence in his son abilities that during the State meet at Balewadi recently, he said: “Amar will be an Asian medallist sooner or later. You can take it from me in writing.”

Amar, who idolises Asian silver medallist Khazan Singh and Australian Ian Thorpe, the 400m world record holder, has set his sights on breaking the 18-minute barrier in the gruelling 30-lap 1500 metre freestyle event. Not forgetting, of course, the task of emulating Khazan.

Amar has proved an inspiration for kid brother Arjun, who too has attained National status. But all Cmdr Murlidharan would say is: “Wait and watch,” when asked who is the more talented of his two sons.

Amar’s progress chart

1997 National School Championship in Goa: Rewrote three records; declared best swimmer of the meet.

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1998 National Games in Manipur: Wins silver in 1500m freestyle — the only medal Maharashtra bagged in the mens’ section.

1999 Junior National Championship at Jodhpur: Wins six medals — three gold,