Swimming is not just a sport or a pastime—it’s a life-saving skill that everyone should know. The ability to move freely and confidently in water opens the door to a healthier lifestyle and builds self-confidence.
Though Hashir had learned to swim as a child, he had no clear pathway to competitions or professional opportunities. There was no one to guide or support him sincerely in exploring swimming beyond just a basic skill. Yet, his passion for swimming never waned.
This is what led Hashir to a firm decision: to guide the next generation with proper training and direction. His goal was to provide opportunities for children not only to excel in swimming but also to build a career in it and see it as a life-saving skill. With this vision, Hashir, from Cheluppadam, founded Swimphin Swimming Academy around three years ago. Before launching the academy, he spent seven years training children for free in his local area.
In the early days, Hashir conducted classes with no fees, focusing solely on the growth and development of children. However, over time, the financial aspects of running a structured training program became unavoidable. About a year ago, he introduced a small fee to keep the academy sustainable. Today, Swimphin Academy proudly stands as Malappuram district’s first registered swimming academy. It provides training for anyone above the age of seven.
The academy also gives special attention to children with autism. In one case, a child who needed continuous treatment and medication experienced significant health improvement and weight loss after undergoing swimming training. Such success stories have solidified the academy’s credibility and impact.
Now, the very children whom Hashir trained in the past are training the next generation. Ashwini, a female swimmer, has been coaching the women’s team for several years. Alongside her, three other trainers support Hashir. The academy offers more than just swimming lessons—it provides Triathlon training, which combines swimming, cycling, and running. This multi-discipline training helps students win medals at the state level and prepares them for Olympic-style competitions.
Hashir himself holds a national record in diving, and his students have represented India in Nepal and competed in various state-level competitions. The first student from Malappuram district to win a medal in the 100m butterfly in the sub-junior category came from Swimphin. The academy’s students have earned places in both the Indian Book of Records and the Asian Book of Records. Some students even travel from distant places like Coimbatore to train at the academy.
Beyond teaching general swimming, Hashir focuses heavily on freediving, training children in deep-water techniques. He is also preparing to launch a Water Rescue Team comprising 12 trained individuals to respond during water-based emergencies.
Hashir received international freediving training under the Freediving Coaches of India. This expertise has allowed him to save lives during multiple emergencies. In one notable instance, he rescued a drowning child at night by diving into a deep pond, pulling the child out, and administering CPR—a heroic act that earned him the 2024 President’s Bravery Award.
Swimphin Academy was never meant to be just a business. While initial support from his family was limited, today, they proudly stand by him after witnessing his success. The core message of Swimphin remains clear: Swimming should first and foremost be a life-saving skill. Hashir always reminds his students, “Excitement alone isn’t enough when you jump into the water—you need proper training and knowledge, too.”
