GUWAHATI: Seven-year-old swimmer Ishank Singh from Ranchi has scripted history by becoming the youngest swimmer in the world to cross the Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India.
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The young prodigy from Dhurwa completed the demanding 29-kilometre swim from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in India on April 30 in an impressive 9 hours and 50 minutes. The feat earned him recognition from the Universal Records Forum, which awarded him the “Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer” world record certificate.
Known for its unpredictable currents and challenging sea conditions, the Palk Strait is regarded as one of the toughest open-water swimming routes in the region. Ishank’s successful crossing at such a young age has drawn widespread admiration and brought national attention to his achievement.
The Class 3 student of DAV Shyamali underwent months of intensive preparation before attempting the crossing. He reportedly trained for four to five hours every day at Dhurwa Dam in Ranchi under the supervision of coaches Aman Kumar Jaiswal and Bajrang Kumar.
School authorities praised Ishank’s accomplishment, calling it a proud moment for the institution, Ranchi and the entire country. The principal said the young swimmer’s courage, discipline and determination in overcoming a mounting challenge at such a tender age were truly remarkable.
The school also noted that Ishank’s success serves as an inspiration for students, proving that dedication, hard work and proper guidance can help achieve extraordinary goals.