BLIND swimmer Ishwari Pande, who created world record by crossing Palk Strait, was welcomed with cheers in the city. She recently completed the 27-km sea journey from Talai Mannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in India in just 11 hours and 15 minutes, setting a unique world record. In the process she also became the first blind swimmer in the world to achieve the feat. Battling against strong ocean currents, shifting tides and jellyfish encounters, city’s Ishwari demonstrated exceptional endurance and mental strength throughout the swim. She has consistently proven her ability in open-water challenges. Despite being blind since birth, she has emerged as a symbol of resilience and unwavering determination.

 

After returning to the city, a grand victory procession was organised by citizens who participated with great enthusiasm. The rally moved from Railway Station to IDCPE College and Ashirwad Nagar areas. Citizens honoured the swimmer by bursting crackers and shouting victory slogans. Various organisations including Shark Aquatic Club, IDCPE College, Tiger Group of Adventure, former corporator Ajay Buggewar, Subhedar Akhara, Krida Bharati and others participated in the procession. Sports luminaries Avinash Deoskar, Sanjay Lokhande, Dr Sharda Naidu, Sukhdeo Dhurve and Ishwari’s NIS coach Sanjay Batwe appreciated her feat. Prakash Nikam, Shashank Bokare and many swimming enthusiasts and citizens were present in large numbers on this occasion. Everyone praised Ishwari for her determination, perseverance, and indomitable courage and wished her well for future.