From swimmer to International referee, Balraj Sharma’s journey inspires generations

Balraj Sharma is a stalwart in the world of swimming. He has made significant contributions to the sport as a swimmer, administrator, organiser, official and international referee. His dedication, passion and expertise have been instrumental in promoting swimming in the country and state.

Balraj’s experience as a competitive swimmer has given him valuable insights into the sport, enabling him to contribute effectively in various capacities. As an office-bearer of the Punjab Swimming Association (PSA), he has played a crucial role in governing and promoting the sport. His meticulous planning and attention to detail have ensured success in organising events, which have helped promote swimming and provided opportunities for athletes to excel.

Balraj’s tenure as general secretary of PSA for four decades (1985 to 2024) and vice president of the SFI (Swimming Federation of India) from 1986 to 2023 demonstrates his commitment to the development of swimming in the region and the country. His leadership and administrative skills have contributed in developing pools, training facilities and programmes to nurture talent and promote the sport.

He is currently appointed CEO (chief executive officer) of the state swimming association. He also served as executive committee member of the Punjab Olympic Association from 1997 to 2023.

As an international referee, Balraj Sharma has officiated at numerous high-profile swimming competitions. His expertise and fairness have earned him recognition and respect from the swimming fraternity in India and overseas. His efforts have helped raise the standards of swimming in India, enabling swimmers to compete at the international level.

After receiving basic training in aqua sports at the 25-m pool, a pre-British era KG Swimming pool at Rakh Bagh, Balraj got into competitive swimming in school. While pursuing graduation at SCD Government College, he represented the college in the inter-college tournaments and brought laurels to his alma mater.

Balraj was promoted as captain of the college team and was also picked up for the Panjab University contingent to take part in the inter-varsity championships. For his outstanding performances, he was awarded the college colour.

Talking to The Tribune, Balraj Sharma recalled, “It was in 1979 that my career in swimming changed, when I appeared and cleared the first-ever written test held in SFI for the technical officials during the senior nationals held in Bangalore. Not only this, but I was selected by the SFI as one of the officials to accompany the Indian swimming team to participate in the Indo-Sri Lanka swimming meet in Colombo, Sri Lanka.”

Balraj served as an international referee on the panel of the world body in swimming—FINA (now World Aquatics) from January 1995 to December 2014. He acted in various capacities such as technical delegate, technical official and team manager in international swimming championships, in India

and abroad. He was also on the executive body of the Asian Aquatics as one of the

vice president and

technical delegate.

Balraj said he was elated when he was appointed as one of the delegates (swimming) of the Indian Olympic Association to attend the games in 2004 at Athens.

“It was a matter of pride for the swimming fraternity of Punjab that one of their colleagues,” he said. Balraj’s contributions to swimming are multifaceted and far-reaching. His dedication, expertise and passion have made a significant impact on the sport and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of swimmers and swimming enthusiasts.