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A Maverick on A Mission For THE UPLIFTMENT OF

Mentally Challenged & Physically Underprivileged Children

Umesh G. Kalghatgi

An Ingenious Swimming Coach

For past 22 years the man with his single mission and one goal to coach Mentally Challenged & Physically Under Privileged children from socio economically backward strata. A Herculean task apparently made simple with his systematic, incessant and relentless coaching.

Raghvendra Anvekar, Ashish Jadhav, Rajesh Shinde, Moin Junnedi, Umesh Khade, Simran Goundalkar, Shridhar Malagi, Sahil Jadhav, Sumit Mutgekar and many more who are sculpted out of this coaching camp went on bagging over 60 medals in different international events carving a niche for their motherland. However, his coaching ability has seen a culmination when a 11-year boy by name Moin Junnedi with more than 300 fractures in the body suffering from rare disease of 100% calcium deficiency not only learnt swimming but mastered the art and literally swam against the stride winning 22 Medals in various National events.

A Maverick who not only over comes challenges but embraces the challenges with a smile and then emerges victorious. “What A way To Inspire Others”

Profile

Umesh Kalghatgi is a remarkable individual whose passion for sports and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark in the realm of swimming. During his graduation years, he excelled in his academic pursuits and actively participated in various sports activities. His dedication and skills propelled him to participate in the prestigious All India Inter University swimming competition for three consecutive years. His exceptional abilities and outstanding sportsmanship earned him the coveted title of “Best Sportsman of the Year” by his college in 1986. Through his dedication and involvement, Umesh exemplified the spirit of service and used his talents for the betterment of society. His journey is a testament to the power of determination, sportsmanship, and community engagement. His unwavering pursuit of excellence in swimming, coupled with his dedication to making a difference, inspires others to strive for greatness both in sports and in life.

Career Aspirations

As a swimming coach, my mission is to provide systematic and professional coaching to children who face mental challenges and physical disadvantages, particularly those from economically underprivileged backgrounds. Through my coaching programs, I strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. My approach to coaching mentally challenged and physically underprivileged children is characterized by patience, empathy, and adaptability. I emphasize the importance of technique, safety, and discipline while fostering a sense of joy and achievement in every swimming session. I also collaborate with relevant organizations, educational institutions, and community members to create opportunities for these children to showcase their talents and gain recognition. Through the transformative power of swimming and dedicated coaching, I can improve the quality of their lives and create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Professional Skills

As a specialized swimming coach for differently abled (Divyangjan) and underprivileged children, the speaker brings a unique expertise in studying and understanding their specific mental and physical disabilities. Through systematic training, I’m focuses on building their physical strength, coordination, and stamina. They also focus on understanding and addressing the unique mental and emotional challenges these children may face, providing a safe space where they can express themselves, overcome fears, and develop resilience. I am also committed to their long-term progress, ensuring that training sessions are consistent, structured, and goal-oriented. At the end my ultimate goal is to help them develop life skills, boost their self-confidence, and create a positive impact that extends far beyond the swimming pool.

A Photography Glimpse of the Journey

Awards & Honours

  • Honoured with GURUDEV SMRITI PURASKAR on 3rd July 2019 on the occasion of 133rd Jayanthi of Dr Gurudev R. D. Ranade for the selfless service rendered towards social empowerment at the auspious hands of Prof. (Dr) Vivek A. Savoji, former Vice Chancellor, KLE University.
  • Honored with Karnataka State Award for the year 2018, for the services rendered towards development of Differently Abled & Underprivileged Children. Honored with Daivadnya Bhushan Sanman.
  • Special felicitation by Shantai Vridhashram for the treamendous work being done in the field of Physically Challenged and underprivileged childen.
  • Patrakar Vikas Mandal award at the auspicious hands of Shri. Atul Kumar Tiwari, Principal Secretary, Heath & Family Welfare Department Karnataka State for Yeomen Services rendered towards disabled and underprivileged.
  • Presented District Award by District Administration on 15th August 2014.
  • Felicitated KLE Society for the Yeomen Services rendered towards disabled and underprivileged at the auspicious hands of Shri Anshu Gupta (Founder Director of Nations Leading NGO, Goonj) and Shri Chandrakant Kokate, Vice Chancellor of KLE University.
  • Rotary Leadership Award by Rotary Pariwar, Belgaum on 19th April 2014 for the Yeomen Services rendered towards disabled and underprivileged.
  • Awarded with ‘Sangati Sahitya Academy Award’ in 2003 as a ‘Best Sports Trainer’.
  • Vocational Award by Rotary Club of Belgaum for the 2004-05.
  • Late Shri B.R.Mutagi Bravery Award for the year 2012 on 1st November 2012.

Key Attributes - International

  • Represented India as a Coach for 10th IWAS (International Wheel Chair and Amputee Sports) Junior World Games held between 3rd to 8th August 2014 at Stroke Mandeville, United Kingdom. 
  • Represented India as a Team Coach at the 2013 World IWAS Junior Games held at Puerto Rico, South America during 6th– 14th August 2013.
  • Represented India as a Team Coach at the Danish Open held at Esbjerg, Denmark during 9th March to 11th March 2012.
  • Selected as a one of the Team Coach for the Pre Olympic Swimming Camp for the 2012 Paralympics.
  • Instrumental person behind the attempt to cross English Channel by the two Physically Challenged swimmers Raghvendra Anvekar and Rajesh Shinde. Where in Master Rajesh Shinde successfully crossed the English Channel on 27th July 2008 from England to France (38 k.m.) with a record time of 14:46 hrs. Master Rajesh Shinde is a First Physically Handicapped Swimmer to Cross English Channel from South India.
  • Represented India as a Team Coach at the 9th FESPIC Games For Disabled held at Kualalampur, Malaysia in 2006
  • Represented India as a coach for the Inaugural Fespic Youth Games held at Hong Kong in 2003 where two young physically challenged swimmers Raghavendra Anvekar and Rajesh Shinde won a total of 3 golds, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals for our country.

Key Attributes - National

  • Organized the Longest Nonstop Swimming Relay by a duo, Jyoti Kori & Vihaan Kori (Mother & Son), which set records in the Asia & India Book of Records on 5th September 2024.
  • Organized a 25-hour continuous floating event by his ward, Sanjay Hanchinmane, to create awareness about the importance of Jalyoga on the occasion of the 5th International Yoga Day.
  • Successfully conducted the South Zone Nationals at Suvarna JNMC Swimming Pool as an event coordinator in 2016.
  • Successfully conducted the 15th National PARA Swimming Championship for the disabled at Suvarna JNMC Swimming Pool as an event director in 2015.
  • Represented as a Coach for Karnataka State Swimming Team for the 11th National Swimming Championship for the disabled held at Kolhapur during 9th to 12th December 2012.
  • Represented as a Team Coach of Karnataka to participate in the 10th National Paralympics Swimming and Water Polo Championship held at Kolkata, West Bengal from 10th to 12th October 2009. Where Karnataka Team won 11 Gold and 6 Silver Medals.
  • Represented as a Team Coach of Karnataka to participate in the 24th Veer Sawarkar All India Open Sea Swimming Competition held at Gujarat on 8th April 2006, from Chorwad to Veerawal, a distance of 38 Kms. ( 21 Nautical Miles )
  • Represented as Coach-Cum Team Manager for the 5thNational Swimming Championship for disabled, held at Mumbai, where in 20 members from Belgaum comprising of 7 physically handicapped, 7 blinds, 3 mentally challenged and 3 deaf & dumb swimmers participated in 2006
  • Represented as a Team Coach of Karnataka in 81 Kms. Long Distance National swimming championship in the month of August 2005 at Murshidaba, Kolkata.
  • A free Swimming Coaching Camp conducted for last 22 years for Mentally Challenged & Physically Under Privileged has thrown up an opportunity for more than 300 children every year. They are now not only privileged to receive coaching under experts hands but can enjoy free transportation, healthy diet and health check up from expert doctors.
  • Conducted long-distance Tricycle race for physically challenged persons for the first time in Belgaum.
  • Providing free-swimming training to the Orphan girls of Shradhanand Mahila Anath Ashram,Mhatunga (Mumbai) every year.
  • Received special appreciation from Shri Sanjay Soi, Major General, Commander, Junior Leaders Wing Infantry school Belgaum towards selfless service rendered for the Empowerment of Disabled.
  • Putting special efforts for the Indian Soldier Mr. Shrikant Desai who is suffering from Paraplegia for the the participation of National Paralympics Swimming Championship.
  • Putting special efforts to promote Jal Yoga from the past 6 years and conducting demonstration to give importance of Jal Yoga in the water. Nearly hundered plus participants (Ladies and Gents) exhibit various asanas on the occasion of International Yoga day.

Prestigious Designation

  • President – Aquarius Swim Club Belgaum
  • Coach – Swimmers’ Club Belgaum
  • Coach – Suvarna JNMC Olympic Size Swimming Pool
  • Vice President – Karnataka Para Swimming Association
  • President – Belgaum District Roller Skating Association
  • President – Belgaum Roller Skating Academy
  • EC Member – Karnataka Roller Skating Association, Bangalore
  • Member – Board of Sports and Physical Culture (KAHER) Member – Union Gymkhana Pvt. Ltd.
  • Co Opt Member – Rotary Corporation Sports Academy

How To Contact

Umesh G.Kalghatgi

‘Ganesh Park’, G-2, “C”Wing,

Cross No.2, Bhagya Nagar,

Belgaum-590 006, Karnataka

Ph: 09448187333/0831-2488224

Email : umeshlead@gmail.com