12-year-old Autistic Girl Swims 36 Km in Arabian Sea, Sets World Record

MUMBAI: A 12-year-old girl Jiya Rai created history by swimming from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India, a distance of 36 kilometres, in 8 hours and 40 minutes on February 17.

The young girl, Jiya Rai, was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. She is the daughter of a naval sailor Madan Rai. Jiya began swimming since she was 10 years old as part of her therapy.

She swam in the open sea to raise awareness about Autism, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Defence.

She began her record setting feat in the wee hours on Wednesday at 03:50 am from Bandra-Worli Sea Link and completed at Gateway of India at 12:30 pm.

The swimming event was overseen by Swimming Association of Maharashtra, a recognised body of Swimming Federation of India. The event was also organised in association with FIT India Movement by Ministry of Youth and Sports Affair.

Jiya received a trophy and certificate for her achievement from Abhay Dadhe, Associate Vice President of Swimming Federation of India.

On February 15 last year, Jiya swam from Elephanta Island to Gateway of India, a distance of 14 Km in three hours, 27 minutes and 30 seconds. She is also the record holder for the world record for the youngest girl with ASD to swim 14 kilometres in open waters.

The official account of Chief PRO Mumbai, Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence shared photos and videos of the young girl completing this feat.

Milind Deora, former minister and Congress leader tweeted, "Bravo Jiya Rai for creating history by swimming from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India, covering 36 km in 8 hours 40 minutes. The 12-year-old daughter of a Navy sailor has Autism Spectrum Disorder and swam across Mumbai to raise awareness about ASD,"

Netizens have been showering praise Jiya for this record creating swim.

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