Visually impaired swimmer Kanchanmala Pande created history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold at the World Para-Swimming Championship in Mexico. The 26-year-old stood first in the 200 meters medley event in the S-11 category.

 “I had prepared well for the World Championship. I was expecting a good show in Mexico and also a medal. But, securing the top position and a gold medal at the world championship is surprising. I am really very happy. At the same time, I don’t know how to express it in words.”

Pande, who works for Reserve Bank of India has had a tough journey to the top, last year she was forced to beg in Berlin after the government money sanctioned for her tour did not reach her, she was even fined for traveling without a ticket on public transport after she was not given enough money by Paralympic Committee of India, despite the odds, she ended up winning silver and qualifying for the World Championship.