Archana Thiagarajan is now lolling around at her parents’ home in Perungalathur, diving headlong into a world of delectable inactivity. She deserves the spot of relaxation she has found in a familiar environment.

Squadron Leader Archana (retd) is back from the 34th AIDA Freediving World Championship in Wakayama, Japan. She is the first woman to represent India at this championship, which will remain memorable not just for the afore-mentioned reason. The 33-year-old athlete set four new national records across all pool disciplines, making her a 10-time national record holder in freediving.

Her journey into freediving happened by chance during a sabbatical in Indonesia, after she completed a decade of service with the Indian Air Force as technical officer.

Taking notice of the accolades she had won at the national level representing Tamil Nadu, an instructor introduced her to freediving, the practice of diving underwater on a single breath without the use of a breathing apparatus.

In less than one-and-a-half years, Archana has proved discipline and determination can break barriers in any sport.

“Forty-nine countries and 234 participants were in the fray in this international event, and I was able to break the Indian national record in all the four events that I took part in,” says Archana.

Freediving is open to those aged above 18. Over the last six months, she has been preparing for the competition, training at Puducherry and Philippines as well as at pools in Chennai and Bangalore.

“Freediving is considered an extreme sport and you cannot train alone, so my husband has been a pillar of strength. He takes care of my safety,” says Archana. She notes that her background in NCC and her stint with the Indian Air Force have helped her in the sport.

An avid yoga enthusiast, Archana says the sport emphasises relaxation, breath control and mental discipline over physical strength.

She adds, “To hold your breath for four minutes underwater, one would need considerable mind power. I have to stay calm; and overcoming these challenges related to the mind was possible with yoga.”