Subhadeep Dutta, the Tamluk coach nurturing talent in a pond

In the lively town of Tamluk, West Bengal, a group of children practice their swimming kicks at the shallow end of a pond. In the water with them and correcting every stroke is Subhadeep Dutta.

At first glance, Dutta might seem like any other Tamluk resident, but his journey and efforts have become a beacon of hope, especially for those passionate about swimming in the town.

Dutta is the driving force behind the Tamralipta Matangini Swimming Center, dedicated to teaching local youth how to swim. Operating from a simple pond with no standard amenities, the 39-year old has managed to nurture several district and state-level swimmers.

The need to introduce activity

Dutta’s journey began in 2021, in the aftermath of the COVID lockdown, when children had become habituated to watching videos on mobile devices with little outdoor activity.

"The prolonged lockdown had a severe impact on children and young adults," Dutta explained to The Bridge.

As a swimming coach, he saw the urgent need to reintroduce physical activity into children’s lives. With sheer determination, he obtained permission to leverage an unused pond in his neighbourhood and established the swimming center.

The community responded enthusiastically, and soon children flocked to the center to learn and practice swimming.

Initially, Dutta’s goal was to teach basic swimming skills, prevent drowning incidents, and promote swimming as an enjoyable physical activity.

Recognizing his students' potential, Dutta’s ambitions grew. He began coaching his pupils for competitive events, equipping them with the techniques and discipline needed to excel.

His efforts, much to his surprise, bore fruit when several students began earning laurels at district and state-level competitions.

"I never thought I’d coach competitive swimmers," Dutta admits. "But seeing the talent and dedication in these kids, I knew I had to do more."

The desire stems from Dutta's own journey as a swimmer. At the 1995 and 1996 West Bengal inter-district swimming championships, he won a 50m freestyle bronze medal.

Tragedy struck, however, when in 1997, a road accident kept him out of action for a year, just when he was set to make the senior state squad.

Thereafter, he found his calling in coaching. 

Determined despite hurdles

Despite modest facilities at the pond, Dutta’s belief in his students’ capabilities remains steadfast.

"Swimming is all about technique and physical ability. Once you master those, the size of the pool doesn’t matter," he emphasizes.

The pond, far from luxurious, has become a training ground where resilience and skill are enhanced. The young swimmers learn not just swimming but also life lessons of perseverance, hard work, and dedication.

"Coach Dutta always makes training fun and challenging," says one of his students. "We learn so much more than just swimming."

While the work undertaken thus far serves as a foundation, the time is ripe for growth. Standing in the way of expansion, however, are financial hurdles.

The nominal fee structure often falls short of covering operational costs. Dutta dreams of securing financial support from corporate sponsors, government grants, or private donations, which would enhance resources and expand the center’s outreach.

He envisions a dedicated swimming pool facility with modern amenities and advanced training tools.

"We need better equipment and a proper gym," Dutta points out. "I hope we can get some support to make this a reality."

His only support at the moment, comes from the parents of children that he coaches.

Community involvement

The community’s involvement and support has been pivotal. Parents have rallied behind Dutta’s initiative, contributing in various ways, from volunteering during events to helping maintain the pond area.

This collective effort has fostered a strong sense of togetherness and belonging amongst the swimmers and their families.

Many children come from underprivileged backgrounds, and the swimming center offers them an escape from their daily struggles, providing a safe space to channel their energy into something constructive and rewarding.

What's more, the discipline required in swimming translates into their academic and personal lives as well, leading to an overall positive development.

While the parents largely support swimming as a recreational activity, many hesitate to encourage their children to pursue it professionally due to perceived financial insecurity in sports.

Nevertheless, Dutta’s passion for swimming remains unwavering. He continuously encourages his students to do their best.

"One has to have an unwavering fire inside them, a passion for swimming that overshadows everything else," he says.

Dutta’s mentorship goes beyond the technical aspects of swimming. He instills in his students the values of sportsmanship, determination, and resilience. These qualities shine through during competitions, where his students display not just skill but also commendable sportsmanship.

Grassroots potential

Despite the teething troubles, Dutta is confident about the potential in the grassroots.

"Our country has so much potential," he says. "All we need is the right support and encouragement."

His efforts have inspired other local coaches and sports enthusiasts, creating a supportive network of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting sports at the grassroots level.

Dutta’s story is emblematic of many such heroes, whose work is inconspicuous, devoid of the glitz and glamour that typically draw media attention.

This lack recognition and support often impacts potential financial support and the ensuing community engagement.

That said, Dutta is steadfast with his work and is willing to do all he can to bring much-needed resources and opportunities to his students and in doing so, inspire those around him to support and invest in grassroots sports initiatives.