Open Water Swimming Shines at Khelo India Beach Games 2025 in Diu

Exciting Debut of Open Water Swimming

The inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025 at Ghoghla Beach in Diu showcased open water swimming as one of the standout events. Young athletes faced the challenges of jellyfish stings and strong currents as they emerged from the beautiful Arabian Sea, racing towards the finish line.

Swimmers from Maharashtra and Karnataka excelled in both the 5km and 10km races, highlighting India's extensive coastline as an ideal training ground for open water swimming.

Rahul Chiplonkar, the KIBG Competition Manager for Sea Swimming, noted, “Maharashtra and Goa have safe beaches, while Karnataka, Kerala, and parts of Gujarat also provide excellent conditions. West Bengal offers locations like the Ganga jetty for sea swimming practice.”

A Rich History of Sea Swimming in India

India has a rich heritage in sea swimming, with trailblazers like Mihir Sen, the first Asian to swim across the English Channel in 1958, and others such as Arati Saha and Rohan More, who have drawn international attention to the country's endurance swimming capabilities.

Chiplonkar emphasized Maharashtra's prominent role in this sport, stating, “It has a 40-year history in sea swimming, followed by Karnataka and Kerala due to their coastal geography. West Bengal also boasts a strong legacy with legends like Mihir Sen and Bula Chowdhury, who remains active in the sport.”

Ambitious Goals for Future Swimmers

Pratyay Bhattacharya, a KIBG medalist from West Bengal, aspires to become the fastest Indian to swim across the English Channel next year, contingent on securing sponsorship. “I aim to complete the swim in under nine hours, ideally close to 8 hours and 15 minutes,” shared the 25-year-old silver medalist from the 10km event.

Having begun his open water training a decade ago at SAI Kolkata and later moving to SAI Tripura, Bhattacharya has participated in the Asian Championships in 2019 and 2022, finishing 10th in both. He also attempted to set a record in 2024 by swimming the Palk Strait from Sri Lanka to India, but the expedition was canceled due to a tragic incident.

Challenges and Triumphs in Open Water Swimming

Despite the allure of records, open water swimming presents significant challenges. Neha Sapte, who swam a remarkable 33 km stretch from Dharamtar Jetty to the Gateway of India at just nine years old, remarked on the unpredictable nature of the sport.

“Weather and natural conditions are crucial in open water swimming, and swimmers must adapt to varying tides and currents,” she explained. Chiplonkar added that safety is a major concern when managing large groups of swimmers, but the enthusiasm of young athletes is commendable.

The Future of Open Water Swimming in India

Open water swimming is gaining recognition as a competitive sport in India, with events like the KIBG providing a platform for aspiring swimmers. Chiplonkar noted, “It’s an adventure sport that involves risks, but today’s youth are eager to embrace challenges and explore new horizons.”

Since its inclusion in the Olympic Games in 2008, open water swimming has evolved significantly. Neha Sapte, also the team manager for Maharashtra at KIBG 2025, expressed optimism about the sport's future, stating, “The government’s initiative to include open sea swimming in national events is a significant boost, fostering courage and national pride among participants.”