Five-time national champion, teenage adventurer swimmer and para-athlete Ishwari Kamlesh Pande is set to embark on another remarkable journey, as she prepares to swim from Sri Lanka’s Talaimannar to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu on April 5 and 6, informed international swimming coach Sanjay Batwe.
She will take on the challenging route across the Palk Strait (Ram Setu), which stretches over 38 kilometres. Ishwari, who is completely blind, is a member of the Shark Aquatic Sporting Association.
She had earlier won a silver medal in a 5 km swimming competition in Porbandar, Gujarat. Notably, Ishwari is also the first blind swimmer to complete a swim from Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea to the Gateway of India, a feat that earned her a place in the Asian Book of Records.
She trains rigorously for hours at the NIT Swimming Pool and also practises in nearby lakes to prepare for such demanding challenges.
Batwe, who mentors Ishwari, has appealed for generous support to help the young athlete achieve this rare milestone and inspire many divyang sportspersons.
Those willing to support her can contribute via her account: Ishwari Kamlesh Pande, Indian Bank, Account Number 8225355972, IFSC IDIB000H595, Hudkeshwar (7185). Contact number: 9923708144.
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