नवीनतम
Indian Para swimmer Jiya Rai sets world record
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Jiya Rai, a 16-year-old Mumbai resident diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest and fastest para swimmer to cross the English Channel. She completed this incredible feat between July 28 and 29, PTI reported.
The young swimmer embarked on her journey from Abbot's Cliff in England and reached Pointe de la Courte-Dune in France, covering a distance of 34 kilometres in an impressive time of 17 hours and 25 minutes.
Jiya is the daughter of Madan Rai, who serves as the MC-at-Arms in Mumbai. The Western Naval Command (WNC) extended their congratulations to the talented para swimmer for her outstanding accomplishment.
"All personnel of WNC convey their heartiest congratulations to Jiya Rai for becoming the world's youngest and fastest female para swimmer to successfully swim solo across the English Channel," the Western Naval Command (IN_WNC) wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"Jiya, a 16 years old girl with Autism Spectrum disorder, is the daughter of Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms, serving at Mumbai. She has many inspiring achievements to her credit, including swimming across the Palk Bay earlier," the WNC added.
Jiya is determined to achieve an extraordinary feat: becoming the world's youngest para swimmer to conquer all seven oceans. Her unwavering spirit and dedication shine through, despite the challenges she faces.
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a neurological and developmental condition, Jiya experiences difficulties in social interaction, communication, learning, and behavior. However, these obstacles have not deterred her from pursuing her dreams.
In a remarkable display of endurance, Jiya swam an astonishing 1,100 kilometers in December 2022. As part of a six-member relay team, she journeyed from Mumbai to Goa and back to Vasai Fort, completing the grueling task in 11 days, 22 hours and 13 minutes. Her achievement is even more impressive considering that she was the youngest and sole female participant on the team.
According to WNC, Jiya swam across the Palk Strait from Talaimannar (Sri Lanka) to Dhanuskodi (India) on March 20, 2022, covering 29 kilometers in a world record time of 13 hours and 10 minutes. With this achievement, she became the youngest and fastest female to swim across the Palk Strait.
Jiya was featured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' episode on February 18, 2021. Her records have been recognized in the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records.
In addition, Jiya has earned medals in national and state open-water sea-swimming championships.
