Arjuna awardee Rehan Poncha took his first step towards making a comeback in the international arena after winning the gold medal in the 400m individual medley clocking 4:32.10 seconds at the ongoing Singapore Open Swimming Championship on Thursday.


Rehan Poncha

The Bangalore lad hopes his current form helps him seal a London Olympics berth. "My summer training is paying off and it's the best start I could have asked for as a build up to 2012. I'm targeting at least six to seven medals at this championship. Hopefully it will go well," said the 24-year-old, who is currently aiming to clock the qualifying mark for the forthcoming FINA World Championship in Shanghai in July.

"This (Singapore Open) was my first gold medal at international level after almost two years. "I'm feeling relieved because I have struggled last year with my timing and after this opening swim I feel confident and fit," added Poncha, who had a rather uneventful 2010 as he was unable to show his mantle at the CWG.