Two Pune swimmers, 11 and 12, complete solo 12-km Elephanta–Gateway crossing

Sachit Rahul Sambyal and Karthick Arularasu completed the Elephanta Island – Gateway of India route as individual solo swims, certified by the Open Water Sea Swimming Association and the Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association.

Organised by the Open Water Sea Swimming Association (OWSSA), affiliated to the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA). Recognised by the Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association (MSAAA), affiliated to the Swimming Federation of India and the Maharashtra Olympic Association.

MUMBAI / PUNE, 19 April 2026 — Two swimmers from Pune, aged 11 and 12, completed the 12-kilometre solo open-water crossing from Elephanta Island to the Gateway of India, finishing one of Mumbai harbour’s best-known long-distance routes in under three and a quarter hours.

Sachit Rahul Sambyal, born 30 July 2014, record time of 3 hours 11 minutes. Karthick Arularasu, born 3 August 2013, finished in 3 hours 14 minutes.

The swim was conducted by the Open Water Sea Swimming Association, registered in Maharashtra (Reg. No. MAHARASHTRA/46/2016) and affiliated to the World Open Water Swimming Association. Both swimmers received OWSSA Certificates of Honour (Nos. 190326 and 193026) certifying the completion of a solo swimming event over the 12-kilometre distance, countersigned by OWSSA president Ajay Manohar Vichare and honorary general secretary Santosh Manohar Patil, alongside officials of the Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India), the Yachting Association of India and the Institute of Nautical Science & Water Sports.

The Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association separately issued Certificates of Honour (Nos. 26326 and 26328) recognising the crossing as a long-distance sea swimming feat. These were signed by MSAAA president Anand Mane and honorary secretary Rajendra Palkar.

Both swimmers trained under coach George Makasare, whose preparation combined graduated endurance work, stroke technique and open-water safety drills ahead of the crossing.

“This achievement belongs to the athletes,” Makasare said. “They trusted the process, trained with discipline every day, and showed remarkable courage in the open sea. Completing 12 kilometres at such a young age is extraordinary, and I hope this inspires many more children to dream big and believe in their abilities.”

Marathon sea swims remain uncommon among swimmers of this age group in India. The Elephanta–Gateway route is regarded as a demanding test for junior swimmers on account of shipping traffic, tidal currents and variable surface conditions across the harbour, and is swum under escort and sanctioned safety protocols.

Both swimmers train with Juvenate Swim Club, Pune.

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