Hope floats

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Amidst the sea of army jawans and celebs, don''t miss Mumbai''s own little mermaid on the sports ministry''s float at tomorrow''s Republic Day parade</span><br /><br />The body is toned, the handshake is firm and so is her determination. The city''s latest swimming sensation is all of 5 years, 3.3 ft tall and weighs around 15 kg!<br /><br />Pooja Bhangire made history when she became the youngest swimmer to cover the 12 km Uran-Gateway of India stretch in a little over five hours. Now, she is preparing for another historic occasion. Union Sports Minister Sunil Dutt has asked her to be a part of the ministry''s ''adventure activities on land, air and water'' float at the Republic Day parade. Pooja will keep her swimsuit aside to dress in a sari and carry the national flag. "I''m going to Delhi," says an excited Pooja.<br /><br />The senior KG student from St Joseph''s school, Vile Parle, is already a sensation. Pooja who entered the pool at the age of two, now trains for over five hours daily under the supervision of her coach Aarti Pradhan. "She has guts and talent, which is matched by a strong body and healthy mind -- all the marks of a champion," points out Pradhan.<br /><br />Entering inter-school championships at the age of three, Pooja found herself competing against 8-year-olds and performed with ease. When her father saw her swimming for over eight hours at a stretch, the idea of a sea record struck him. Then began the strenuous training and diet. Was she scared? "No, I like water, but sea water is salty," she murmurs. <br /><br />Pradhan feels talent like Pooja''s needs firm backing. "A corporate sponsor could send her abroad for training." And what does the little champion want? "I want to watch cartoons and eat ice-cream!" comes the reply. </div> </div>