Khelo India Beach Games 2025

Sea swimming has a storied legacy in the country. Pioneers like Mihir Sen, who became the first Asian to swim across the English Channel in 1958, and later Arati Saha, Taranath Shenoy, Rohan More and more, brought global attention to India's capabilities in endurance swimming.

“Maharashtra is the most prominent state—it has a 40-year legacy in sea swimming. Then Karnataka and Kerala follow, due to their coastal geography. West Bengal also has a strong legacy. We’ve had legends like Mihir Sen and Bula Chowdhury, who were the first to cross the English Channel. Bula Chowdhury is still active—she swam in Mumbai last year,” added Chiplonkar, who made open water swimming an integral part of his life since 2005.

Crossing the English Channel is one of the prime targets open water swimmers have. KIBG medallist from West Bengal, Pratyay Bhattacharya, wants to cross it too but with a new intent. “I want to become the fastest Indian to cross the English Channel next year, if I get sponsors,” said the 25-year-old, who won silver at the 10km event in Diu. “People swim for 11-12 hours to cross the English Channel, but that won’t make me happy. I want to target below nine and possibly stay close to the 8-hour 15 minute-mark,” Bhattacharya told SAI Media.