Open-water swimming debuts at KIBG 2025, revives memories of India's storied legacy

Open-water swimming emerged as one of the most interesting sporting acts at the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025 in Ghoghla Beach, Diu.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Young swimmers braved jellyfish stings and strong tides with determination before emerging out of the pristine Arabian Sea and sprinting towards the finish line.

Maharashtra and Karnataka swimmers dominated the sea in the 5km and 10km events at the KIBG, offering further hope that India's long coastline offers the perfect natural environment to groom open water swimmers.

"Maharashtra as well as beaches in Goa are safe. Karnataka, Kerala, and parts of Gujarat are also good. Bengal also has places like the Ganga jetty to practice sea swimming," mentioned Rahul Chiplonkar, KIBG Competition Manager for Sea Swimming. 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.