Sajan Prakash, Kerala's most decorated athlete in the National Games, is getting warmed up for the 38th edition to be held in chilly Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14.

The two-time Olympic swimmer has secured 26 medals, including 14 Gold medals, from four appearances in the National Games. Sajan will compete in 13 events at the Games, including in his favourite Butterfly. He was recently conferred with the Arjuna Award.

"I only started training under Brazilian coach Arilson Champam recently. We have been doing 10 sessions a week, including strength training. I am getting back to regular training after a break," Sajan told Malayala Manorama's Vinod Gopi.

The aquatic events will be held at the Indira Gandhi International Sports Complex in Gaulapar, Haldwani, where the average minimum temperature is 10 degree Celsius. The competitions will be held in heated pools but as the venue is outdoors, athletes from warmer regions are expected to face difficulties.

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"Cold conditions affect swimmers the most. It would be challenging for those travelling from Kerala. The body would get tensed up, and breathing could be difficult as well. But the mark of a good athlete is in overcoming these adverse conditions," Sajan said.

Ahead of the 2020 Olympics, Sajan became the first-ever Indian swimmer to achieve the 'A' qualification mark for the Games. He also represented India at Rio 2016. After the National Games, the 31-year-old wants to focus on next year's Asian Games in Japan.

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