Kyna Khare, a 12-year-old from Bengaluru, claims to be the world's youngest female master scuba diver. In an interview with news agency ANI, Khare recalled her journey and her initial experience - a tandem dive in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands - a moment that sparked an interest in diving.
"I started scuba diving when I was 10 years old. My first time was in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was a tandem dive. I found it fun and did an open water dive," Kyna recounted to ANI.
From that point forward, Kyna's passion for scuba diving propelled her through various challenging courses and certifications. Her training took her to destinations like Bali, Indonesia, where she completed her open water course, and Thailand, where she advanced further.
Ultimately, she earned the prestigious Master Diver title back where it all began, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. "After that, I finished my open water course in Bali, Indonesia, and also completed my advanced open water course in Thailand. Then, I officially became a master diver in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands," she said.
Kyna's accomplishments encompass advanced open water certification, underwater photography, specialised Nitrox diving, perfect buoyancy control, rescue diver training, and several other specialty courses.
Kyna believes she has a deep connection with the aquatic environment and the underwater ecosystems.
"Water is my second home, and it is so much fun there. Underwater, it is absolutely amazing. It is very calm and relaxing. The fish also do not do anything to you unless you attack them," Kyna shared.
Despite the inherent risks associated with scuba diving, Kyna remains undeterred. One of her most harrowing experiences occurred during a rescue diving course in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
"The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were scary because the weather was so challenging and bad. I had to do my rescue diving course there. The water was choppy, and there was a heavy storm and rain. I had to dive still inside the water and drag an unconscious diver to the boat 20 meters away," she recalled.
She acknowledges the unpredictable nature of diving, from bad weather to potential encounters with aggressive marine life, but she remains undaunted.
"You just do not know what is about to happen. There could be terrible weather, which does not let you see anything. The person you dived with could get lost, and you have to look for them. Sometimes, fish try to attack you," she noted. Yet, she compares these challenges to everyday risks, stating, "One has to be careful."
She is also captivated by the underwater ecosystems she explores. "My personal favourites are sea turtles; they are amazing and large," she enthused. Her diving adventures have taken her to various locations, including the Maldives and Thailand, each offering unique experiences.
She aspires to study marine science to deepen her understanding of the ocean, driven by her fascination with marine life and ecosystems.
Reflecting on Kyna's journey, her mother, Anshuma, expressed awe and pride.
"Kyna has always been a water baby. She learned to swim at two years of age. We had to get her out of the pool. She used to swim in the apartment's swimming pool," she said.
Despite initial hesitations about their daughter's diving pursuits, Kyna's parents supported her passion. "We did not know if it was possible. Through specialised instructors, she could do a first dive. She wanted to do more, get certified. We did not want to push her because we had our fears, but we decided to give it a shot because of her passion. It reinforced our belief that she should follow her passion," Anshuma explained.
The family takes meticulous care of Kyna's safety, diet, and sleep schedules, acknowledging her young age and the physical demands of her pursuits. Anshuma also urged other parents to support their children's passions. "In today's world, nothing is impossible. Just follow your dreams," she concluded.
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