“Since 2007 till date, I am representing Pak Army at national level and have won many medals. It is always hard work that pays off at the end. Armed Forces are defenders of the frontiers and it is an honour for me to remain associated with Pak Army. I have so far won 80-100 medals at national level after having joined Pakistan Army team. Even while swimming deep into water under the surface, I always think of bringing respect to Pakistan and spirit of Army keeps me going swifter.”

Q. You started swimming at a very young age, what inspired/attracted you to play with water?

Kiran Khan: Playing with water has been my passion since childhood. As a kid I was not inspired to swim but was attracted more to play in water with all my toys. However, as the time passed and I grew older, I learnt to swim and developed interest for the sport. Interestingly, my father, Khalid Zaman, who was also an international swimmer, wanted me to stay fit and to learn this game to the perfection. He taught me the techniques that put my hard work in correct direction, and was my first coach. The childhood had been full of physical activities. Sense of competition is another angle of my personality. Since the age of three, even at family level, we used to hold different sports’ competitions that kept us energized.

Q. How have your journey been all along to become international level swimmer?

Kiran Khan: Swimming is a challenging sport which requires perfect physical fitness to compete at any level. Due to non availability of more swimming pools for females in Pakistan, it was even tougher for me. At the age of 11, during 2011, I represented Pakistan at international level in 3rd World Islamic Games and it was an unforgettable moment when I won two gold medals and hoisted green Pakistani Flag fluttering high. Taking part in Olympics and representing Pakistan worldwide was a dream that has now come true. That was the beginning of a wonderful journey which continues to-date.

Q. How honoured did you feel when you were awarded with Tamgh-i-Imtiaz at the age of 19?

Kiran Khan: Throughout my career as a professional swimmer, many ups and downs came but I never left my ground. Receiving the award kiran3of Tamgh-i-Imtiaz was an honour for me and my family. This is the 4th biggest civil award and my nomination came as a surprise to me. But I thank my Allah for bestowing me with many successes. While receiving this award, I, for the first time felt that my hard work finally was recognized and acknowledged.

Q. You have been representing Pakistan Army at National Level. How has this experience been?

Kiran Khan: Since 2007 till date, I am representing Pak Army at national level and have won many medals. It is always hard work that pays off at the end. Armed Forces are defenders of the frontiers and it is an honour for me to remain associated with Pak Army. I have so far won 80-100 medals at national level after having joined Pakistan Army team. Even while swimming deep into water under the surface, I always think of bringing respect to Pakistan and spirit of Army keeps me going swifter.

Q. What have been your achievements in terms of medals at national and international level?

Kiran Khan: I have won 327 gold, 20 silver and 16 bronze at national level, whereas, at international level, seven gold, 22 silver and 22 bronze medals are on my credit.

Q. How did you maintain balance between studies, family and swimming?

Kiran Khan: Swimming is primarily related to the weather. Since I only swim in the season or before any major competition, therefore, it becomes easier to manage time for studies and family. As I live with my family so I don’t have to make separate schedule for spending time at home.

Q. What exercises and diet will you recommend for the females to maintain physical fitness?

Kiran Khan: We have 1440 minutes in a day; and we only need minimum 30 minutes for exercise to stay healthy and fit. Exercise does not necessarily mean working out at gym. It can be any activity to include swimming, walk, yoga, cycling, badminton any sports of one’s choice. To stay fit and healthy, one must keep themselves hydrated all the time with seasonal fresh juices, shakes and even simple water. We must eat more vegetables and should avoid junk food. Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it.

Q. What are your future plans? And when are you planning to get married?

Kiran Khan: I have never planned anything, whatever comes in my way, I just do it. At the moment, I am working on fitness centres that I have opened for females and kids who are overweight and of short height. I have a whole team of doctors and coaches working day and night to assist and help our clients. My marriage is just another talk of town, I will cross the bridge once I will reach it. Although I love my status being single, but when the time comes, In-Sha-Allah I will do it.

Q. How can we promote swimming as a career in Pakistan for both males and females?

Kiran Khan: Swimming in Pakistan can only be promoted if arrangements for swimming pools and proper coaching are made available in educational institutions and residential areas. We should have swimming pools in schools where students can learn and improve their techniques simultaneously with studies. At national level, it can only be promoted if government provides appropriate sports’ facilities, at least in every big city with good coaching services.

Q. What message shall you give to the youth of Pakistan from the platform of Hilal magazine?

Kiran Khan: I believe that our new generation has bright future with more opportunities coming their way. My message to youth is to stay positive and never to give up.
If you were born in a rich family, that doesn’t make you superior over others. Instead, God has given you extra responsibility to take care of those who are not as fortunate as you are.

Courtesy: ISPR Hilal Magazine