India’s Tokyo Olympian Sajan Prakash To Undergo Treatment For Neck Issue

Indian Olympian Sajan Prakash will soon be undergoing extensive treatment to address a lingering neck issue, according to The Hindu Times.

Prakash, who became India’s first-ever FINA Olympic ‘A’ cut qualifier when he made the grade in the men’s 200m fly, has been dealing with radiating pain in his left hand after having suffered a slipped disc in 2019. That injury set him out of the pool for approximately 8 months.

To resolve the lingering issues that still affect him today, Prakash says he will be specifically getting an Ayurvedic treatment for a period of two weeks.

Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian medical system based on ancient writings that rely on a “natural” and holistic approach to physical and mental health.

‘Ayurvedic treatment combines products (mainly derived from plants, but may also include animal, metal, and mineral), diet, exercise, and lifestyle.’ (NIH.gov)

“When I start swimming again after this treatment it will be like starting again from the basics, slowly building up. It’s a good investment for the future,” 27-year-old Prakash said.

Prakash nailed a lifetime best of 1:56.38 in the men’s 200m fly while competing at the Sette Colli Trophy this past June. That not only scored a new national record but it also cleared the FINA A cut of 1:56.48 needed to qualify for the Olympic Games.

There in Tokyo, Prakash ultimately finished in 24th place in the 200m fly in a time of 1:57.22 out of the heats. He also placed 46th in the 100m butterfly event.