Testimonials
Pradeep Kumar
Head Coach, BAC, Bangalore, National Coach - India
It gives me great pleasure to pen down my feeling about Rehan Poncha, who trained with me for almost ten years. I might go so far as to say that Rehan took me to new heights, rather than my doing so for him. His faith in me took us to represent India at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Though we had our ups and downs, I believe, that his will to fight against all odds was what made him stand apart from the rest. He was the ultimate competitor and I hope the younger generation will benefit from his experience. Now as he ventures into a different and new arena, I wish him good luck.
Pradeep Divgikar
President, Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association
Rehan, I'm never going to tire of saying that you were just brilliant. All that you said was so inspirational and motivating, I'm sure the kids / parents' community would have felt reinvigorated to keep pursuing their dreams. You were able to effectively exorcize the demons that were occupying their minds. You speak straight from the heart and, therefore, it is such a pleasure to listen to you. I was absolutely spellbound and so were the target audience. Your ability to so lucidly recount all the trials and tribulations that you and your fantabulous parents Jehangir and Shirin endured to realise your Olympic dream is remarkable. Your story in your own words is sure to ignite sparks of passion amongst the young swimming community of Mumbai. I wish you boundless success in all your future endeavours in every walk of life (mainly Golf and Swim Clinics). You have grown to be such a wonderful young man. Very proud of you. Widen your horizons, the world is at your feet. You are destined to eternally shine bright. Keep Going!!! Cheer and God Bless!
Gresshaa Mehta
National Medallist
One can only expect a limited amount of learning from a two day clinic, but now as I look back at these two days, I realise that it was more than just a plain old swim clinic, more than just another day at the pool, it was about a boy who never lost hope, a boy who till this very moment believes that this 'hope' of being able to help young athletes break barriers both physical and mental, will make a difference. From the struggle of his training days to collaborating with Mr. Pankaj Rathi for his first national swim clinic in Delhi, Rehan sir has taught us to never put a limit on anything, to never even on the worst training days, give up to exhaustion, to concentrate on the intricate details we tend to ignore that would give us the extra edge, the upper hand. He brings not only his charismatic attitude to the pool but also the power to make everyone, be it the parents or the swimmers, fall in love with the water and this is what sets him apart from the rest. Thank you once again for arguably the most beneficial two days of my life.
Homi Kaka
Swim Committee - Willingdon Club
When we called Rehan for our club, we were looking for something different, something new which would get our budding swimmers serious about their training. The swimming technique, talk, diet tips, drills, stroke correction etc., was quite different from what our children are taught. The international exposure of Rehan brings a wealth of knowledge to our trainees which I both as a swimming committee member and a swimmer myself recommend to all. A clinic every few months would serve the purpose perfectly, giving swimmers time to incorporate the teaching into their swim, ready again for more tips at the next session.
Aakanksha Vora
National Champion
Rehan's endeavor, the "SwimSmart with Rehan Poncha" clinics aim at mentoring young swimmers to make them fall in love with water like he did. With over 20 years of experience, training in numerous cities in India and internationally, he shares some of the many things he has learned through his career. He teaches us swimmers the importance of training the right muscles to maximize efficiency in the pool. Moreover, he shows us an array of drills to make us proficient swimmers. Rehan's pragmatic and affable personality help the swimmers to instantly connect with him. Each clinic ends with a talk and Q 'n' A session that leave us both astounded and inspired. SwimSmart with Rehan Poncha is an enriching experience for swimmers and parents and is one that should not be missed by budding swimmers, who I can assure you will fall in love with the water soon after.
Avantika Mallik
Swim Parent
Thanks Rehan for talking to the kids, sharing your experiences and showing them how to better themselves not just as a swimmer but as a sportperson!!! The session was a learning experience for Arita as well as us parents! Extremely motivating and encouraging. The second session we did was as interesting as the first. Looking forward to many more clinics on a regular basis. Thanks Again!!!
Dennis Taraporewala
CCI Swim Parent
My kids have now done 5 SwimSmart sessions with Rehan, who brings to these clinics his obvious expertise as one of India's finest swimmers along with a rare ability to communicate the learnings and experience of his own competitive journey, to younger swimmers in a very practical and articulate way. His talk is inspiring, his instruction is clear and his connect with swimmers is instant, leaving them longing for more. I would hope someday he does consider setting up an academy of his own. In the meanwhile, we'll sign up for every SwimSmart session available.
Neha Saldhana
Otters Club Swim Parent
The session with Rehan at Otters was both informative and interesting at the same time. The kids were all wrapped in attention, hanging onto his every word. His rise to success story left everyone in the audience, young and old, with goosebumps and in the end teary eyed. My daughter was completely awestruck by Rehan's success and yet friendly, easy going attitude. When the kids had issues and brought them up to him, he gave them all a patient hearing and helped them understand where they were going wrong. He also repeatedly told them about the problems he faced and how he had tried to overcome them. Hearing about trials and tribulations from someone who's been there and done that, made the kids realise that their own dreams seem a little more achievable. That's what made the difference. He was one of them and he made them feel like all of them could achieve even greater highs than he had. Thanks Rehan, for the being such an inspiration to our kids. We wish you the very best in your new adventure With the grit and determination you already possess, I'm sure your new dreams will also come true! Our best wishes are always with you!
Ruhaab Khan
National Gold Medallist
This weekend (23-24 May, 2014) was the most awaited one. I experienced something most people haven't, and got opportunities which many don't. The best workshop / clinic ever. Rehan came in when I was ready to let it all go in the pool. This clinic has made things easier and made me strong enough to KEEP BELIEVING! I now believe I have the key to success. Every bit of this clinic was awesome, from 'the imaginary belt' to 'being a mouse' to all the techniques taught in these two days. Rehan's journey has a lot to do with me, since I feel I have a similar story. Thank You for motivating me and everyone else at the pool! I'm glad this clinic happened and now I'm all charged to hit success, again.
Mannat Singh
National Medallist
An awesome learning experience with Rehan Poncha. I, rather we, couldn't have asked for more. Every minute of the 2-day workshop was worthwhile. It has fueled me with motivation, inspiration and confidence. Rehan's talk about his personal journey made me realise that each one of us can work hard, struggle and accomplish our dreams. He never gave up and that's one thing I will follow too. The workshop was an excellent learning experience. Rehan pointed out each and every intricate detail, be it the stroke technique, gym work, diet and pre-race preparation, concluding it with a motivational talk. I promise to you Rehan- I'll become stronger, better and faster. Looking forward to learning from you in future too!
Anju Verma
Swim Parent
Rehan's SwimSmart Clinic in Delhi was an awesome experience for both my boys Ashvatth and Aryan, and me. Rehan you are great at mentoring and a great communicator as well. You not only reached out to each and every kid during the swim clinic, but I am sure all of them, including the parents did benefit from your valuable inputs. My younger son Aryan, has improved his 50 free timing. We look forward to have you in Delhi again and again and again!
Jayant Mehlawat
National Medallist
Rehan's SwimSmart Clinic in Delhi was an awesome experience for me. He's skillful, humble, passionate, teaches from his personal experience, and always excited to show you the way. What he teaches you will help you improve your swimming, not just during the course, but beyond. In just a two day workshop , I learnt techniques that I will use over a lifetime to improve my swimming. This class added immense value to my life. Thank you Rehan.
Mita Punamiya
Swim Parent
I heard about this clinic from a friend in Bangalore when I was looking for some help with my daughter's stroke work. There is no one like this in Mumbai, and people travel to Bangalore especially for speed and stroke corrections. I was also supposed to, but then tried this. The session was very informative and instructive. It was a really good workshop and I'm looking forward to the next.
Kaushal Dalal
Swim Parent
Both our kids, Saloni and Sahil are swimmers and attended swim clinic by Rehan in Oct'14. Saloni is national gold medallist at 2014 National swim meet in Indore. Rehan clearly is not just a great swimmer, but also a great coach. Undoubtedly, he is an expert in technicalities of each stroke, identifies even smallest of aberrations from perfect stroke, and knows how to fix them. What stood out for me though was how well he knew path towards making a champion. He figured-out temperament of each kid quickly and knew exactly how to motivate them. He knew how to strike crucial conversations with kids, when and how to push, while keeping swimming an enjoyable sport. I witnessed Kids were exceeding their own expectations within short 3 day clinic and that was tribute to Rehan helping them discover or strengthen their self-belief.
Dia
State level swimmer, Forest Club, Powai
Today , I understood the real importance of the core and hips. During the workout, I could feel an improvement in my technique. I think the theory of teaching the correct use of each body part, step by step helped me process it better. Correcting and comparing my improved and bad strokes for breaststroke and freestyle in a fun manner really stood out to me from this session. Rehan sir is a great inspiration for me and his commitment and style of teaching has surely made a change in my attitude and dedication towards swimming
Atharv
State Medalist, Forest Club, Powai
We had an excellent session with you today. You were very interactive with us. Not for one moment did I feel neglected. Each and everyone got your undivided attention. You just simplified everything in such lucid language that everything seemed much more easy and simplified. The drills that you gave were very helpful and they really got us thinking about our incorrect strokes and made us correct them. You really are a role model for all of us. Many people possess the knowledge and experience, but to be able to impart and share it with everybody is a skill that very few possess. You have that very special skill set. Your down to earth attitude was a true mark of your excellence. I learnt a lot from you today and am hoping to learn a lot more tomorrow. I am really looking forward to the session with you tomorrow. I am sure that tomorrow is going to be a fun session and a learning experience for each one of us.
Kareena
State level swimmer, Forest Club, Powai
I would like to say a big thank you to Rehan Sir for the very inspiring session today. In addition to teaching me the techniques of swimming I felt really good listening to him discuss the thoughts n feelings before competitions. Didn't realise all of us go through it, even a super achiever like him. Thank you Sir.