Vedaant Madhavan, the competitive swimmer and son of actor R Madhavan, has said India has the talent and genetic potential to produce many more elite athletes but needs to improve its approach to nutrition, discipline and motivation. Vedaant is preparing to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games, where he will compete alongside experienced swimmers such as two-time Olympians Srihari Nataraj and Sajan Prakash. The continental multi-sport event is scheduled to take place in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Speaking in a recent interview with PTI, Vedaant said Indians possess considerable natural ability but are not always able to convert that potential into high-level sporting performance. He identified diet as one of the biggest factors holding athletes back, particularly the need for greater protein intake and more consistent attention to nutrition. He said that improving food habits, discipline and motivation could help India build a stronger pool of serious athletes capable of competing at international events.
Vedaant also referred to the body composition commonly associated with many South Asian populations, explaining that Indian bodies may tend to store more fat while developing less muscle mass. The discussion is often linked to the concept of the “Asian Indian phenotype” or “thin-fat” body type. He suggested that understanding these physical tendencies and adapting diets accordingly could help athletes improve their strength, recovery and performance. He added that he has been working with a dietitian, and the changes in his nutrition have contributed to improvements in his form and speed during preparations for the Asian Games.
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The swimmer said his training programme has also changed significantly in recent months. Although he is primarily a long-distance specialist, he will compete in the 200-metre freestyle at the Asian Games, an event he described as being outside his usual comfort zone. To prepare for the challenge, he has increased his focus on weight training and strength conditioning. His work has included improving leg strength, refining his kicks and developing greater ankle flexibility, all of which are important for generating speed and maintaining efficient technique in the pool.
Vedaant further discussed the mental demands of competing at a major international event, where athletes face pressure from spectators, expectations and the possibility of representing an entire country. He said competitors need to possess a certain degree of self-belief and confidence, describing the mindset as being slightly “egotistical” because athletes must believe they are capable of winning. According to him, ambition and the willingness to aim for the highest possible result are essential when competing against some of the world’s best athletes.
The 2026 Asian Games will provide Vedaant with an opportunity to test himself at a major continental competition while taking on an event that requires a different preparation strategy from his long-distance speciality. His comments highlight the importance of combining technical training, strength development, mental preparation and nutrition in elite sport. As India seeks to improve its performance across disciplines, Vedaant believes better diets and more structured athlete support could help the country make greater use of its available sporting talent.
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