Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): Ishank Singh, just seven years old, scripted history on Friday by becoming the youngest to swim across the Palk Strait.
The Ranchi boy crossed the strait, which lies between India and Sri Lanka, in 9 hours and 50 minutes.
The record was previously held by Tamil Nadu kid Jay Jashwanth, who completed the swim in 10 hours and 30 minutes at the ag
e of 10 in 2019.
Ishank began his swim at 4 am and completed it at 1.50 pm.
As he set foot on the sands of Rameswaram, the seven-year-old was warmly welcomed by officials, family members and team members.
It is a challenging swim due to strong currents, sea waves and unpredictable weather.
Ishank overcame these obstacles to swim the 29-kilometre stretch between Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and Arichalmunai in Dhanushkodi (Tamil Nadu).
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren applauded Ishank’s achievement, describing the seven-year-old swimmer as an ‘extraordinary’ talent.
“Ishank’s success is a remarkable example of discipline and unwavering dedication to his goal. He has brought pride not only to Jharkhand but to the entire country,” Soren wrote on X.