Para-swimmer Shams Aalam, set to feature in Asian Para Games, overcame spinal tumour. India's para-swimmer Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, who has been included in India's squad for Asian Para Games 2026, overcame spinal tumour to pursue para-swimming career. At age 24, he developed a benign tumour in his lower back. Despite an initial unsuccessful surgery, the tumour was eventually removed but he was left immobilised. Following his surgeries, Aalam took to para-swimming.