12 year old Jiya Rai swims 36 KM in Arabian Sea
New Delhi, Feb 18, 2021: She is Jiya Rai, a 12 year girl, daughter of a Naval sailor Madan Rai. Jiya created history by swimming from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India, a distance of 36 Km in 8 hrs and 40 minutes on Feb 17 .
She is a known case of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dedicated the swimming feat to raise awareness about Autism. She commenced her record setting feat in the early morning hours of Feb 17 at 3.50 am from Bandra-Worli Sea Link and completed at Gateway of India at 12.30 pm.
The swimming event was conducted under observation of Swimming Association of Maharashtra, a recognised body of Swimming Federation of India. The event was also associated with FIT India Movement by Ministry of Youth and Sports Affair.
The award ceremony was held at Gateway of India on 17 Feb 21. Miss Jiya Rai was felicitated with a trophy by Ms Zarir N Baliwala, President of Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA).
Miss Jiya Rai had earlier swam from Elephanta Island to Gateway of India, distance of 14 Km in 3 hrs 27 minutes and 30 sec on Feb 15 and holds world record for youngest girl with ASD to swim 14 km in open waters.
