Muscat – Two students with autism from the Care and Special Education (CSE) centre of Indian School Muscat (ISM) have marked a milestone for inclusive sport in Oman after competing alongside sound minded and able-bodied swimmers in an open water swimming event.
Ishan Sanjai, 21, and Prathamesh Kesavan, 13, took part in OMSWIM 3.2 held recently at Jumeirah Muscat Bay. It was the first time students with special needs from CSE participated in an open water swimming competition alongside other competitors.
Kesavan finished third in the 200m race, which had eight swimmers, while Sanjai placed fourth in the 400m event among 11 competitors. Their performances drew attention not only for the results but for the broader message of inclusion and equal opportunity in sport.
Open water swimming places strong demands on physical endurance, mental focus and the ability to adapt to natural conditions. For Sanjai and Kesavan, the challenge went beyond distance and time, requiring confidence and emotional readiness to move from controlled pool environments to open sea conditions.
The students were trained by Giridharan Ramesh, an Indian special educator and sports coach with eight years of experience working with children with special needs. He designed a structured and safety-focused training programme that covered technique, stamina and confidence-building.
Reflecting on the journey, Ramesh said the first task was helping the students overcome fear. “It was challenging and required a lot of patience,” he said. “Sometimes they were shouting, sometimes playful and I had to rely on calm body language and consistency.” He informed that Kesavan trained for six months, while Sanjai prepared over two months.
Ramesh said the experience showed what could be achieved with planning and belief. “With the right structure and support, children with special needs can achieve what many think is not possible,” he said, adding that the achievement could encourage families and educators to explore sport as a tool for development and inclusion.
Sanjai and Kesavan’s participation was welcomed by the ISM community as a reflection of the school’s focus on inclusive education and holistic growth. Their success also helped challenge common assumptions about autism and physical capability, opening conversations about greater access to competitive sport for students with special needs across Oman.
