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MP Para Swimmer Satendra Lohiya Makes History Crossing Cook Strait

Satendra Singh Lohiya, an international para swimmer from Madhya Pradesh, has become the first para swimmer from Asia to successfully cross New Zealand's formidable Cook Strait. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav congratulated Lohiya, calling it a proud moment for the nation and the state. The 38-year-old athlete, who has limited mobility in his legs, is a Padma Shri and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award recipient. His previous accomplishments include crossing the English Channel in 2018 and the Catalina Channel in the United States.

Key Points: Satendra Lohiya: First Asian Para Swimmer to Cross Cook Strait

  • First Asian para swimmer to cross Cook Strait
  • Padma Shri and Tenzing Norgay awardee
  • Has limited mobility in both legs
  • Previously crossed English Channel
  • CM Mohan Yadav congratulates
2 min read

MP para swimmer Satendra Lohiya scripts history by crossing Cook Strait; CM Mohan Yadav congratulates

Madhya Pradesh's Satendra Singh Lohiya, a Padma Shri awardee, becomes the first Asian para swimmer to conquer New Zealand's challenging Cook Strait.

"This proud moment for the nation and for Madhya Pradesh reflects his indomitable spirit - CM Mohan Yadav"

Gwalior, Feb 12

Satendra Singh Lohiya, an international para swimmer from Madhya Pradesh, has created history by successfully crossing New Zealand's Cook Strait, one of the world's most challenging open-water sea channels.

With this feat, Padma Shri awardee (2024) Lohiya became the first para swimmer from Asia to conquer the Cook Strait, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Thursday while congratulating him on the achievement.

Expressing his delight, the Chief Minister described the accomplishment as a proud moment for both the nation and Madhya Pradesh.

"Padma Shri and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awardee, Madhya Pradesh's international para swimmer Satendra Singh Lohiya, has created history by successfully crossing New Zealand's Cook Strait, one of the toughest sea channels in the world," Yadav wrote on X.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on this extraordinary feat. This proud moment for the nation and for Madhya Pradesh reflects his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination, which will continue to inspire generations," he added.

The 38-year-old para swimmer, who has limited mobility in both legs, has achieved several notable milestones in his career. Among them is completing a 33-km swim circuit in Mumbai in 5 hours and 42 minutes.

A resident of Gata village in Bhind district under the Gwalior-Chambal division of Madhya Pradesh, Lohiya earlier scripted history in 2018 by crossing the 36-km English Channel as part of a team. In 2019, he went on to complete the Catalina Channel in the United States.

He completed the English Channel swim in 12 hours and 26 minutes. For his achievements, he received the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2020 and has stated that he was the first para-athlete to receive the honour.

Lohiya was also conferred the Vikram Award, Madhya Pradesh's highest state-level sports honour, in 2014.

In 2021, he received the National Award for Best Sportsperson. In recognition of his contribution to sports, he was conferred the Padma Shri in 2024.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
From Gata village in Bhind to conquering the world's toughest sea channels! This is the real "Make in India" story we need to celebrate more. His Padma Shri is so well-deserved. Hats off to his spirit!
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Aman W
While I'm happy for his achievement, I can't help but think about the lack of consistent support for para-athletes in our country. They achieve these feats despite the system, not because of it. We need better infrastructure and funding.
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Sarah B
As someone from New Zealand, I know how treacherous the Cook Strait can be. For a para swimmer to achieve this is absolutely mind-blowing. Huge congratulations to Satendra from down under! You've made all of Asia proud.
K
Karthik V
English Channel, Catalina Channel, and now Cook Strait! This man is on a mission. His journey from a small MP village to international recognition is the stuff of legends. More power to you, Satendra ji!
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Nisha Z
This news made my day! 🎉 In a time of so much negative news, stories like this remind us of human resilience and the power of determination. Parents should share this with their children as a real-life hero story.

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