Fr Agnel student swims to a new record from Gateway to Elephanta

A nine-year-old boy from Vashi swam his way to a new record at the Gateway of India on Sunday.

On January 17, Vedant Sawant, a Class 4 student of Fr Agnel School, Vashi, became the fastest swimmer in the under-10 category to swim the 14-km route from Elephanta Islands to the Gateway of India. He completed the feat in two hours, 50 minutes and 28 seconds in his maiden attempt. The previous record belongs to Himanshu Patil from Uran, who covered the distance in three hours and 10 minutes.

Vedant was accompanied by pilot boats with official observers, time-keepers, coaches and his parents. Upon completion of the feat, he was given a hero’s welcome at the shore by mayor Sudhakar Sonawane.

“I hope to create many more records in swimming,” he said.

Santosh Patil, who trained

Vedant for this feat said, “I am proud that he chose a less-taken swimming route. I honestly did not expect him to break the record.”

Vedant has been training at the Navi Mumbai Sports Association for the last two and a half years. He undergoes rigorous training of two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. Vedant’s coach Sander Sawant said, “We first

worked on his strokes and then his endurance. We also had to work on his fear of the sea.”

Vedant will receive a state certification by the Maharashtra State Aquatic Association for the record. “I will ensure Vedant’s talent does not go waste. I will do all I can to help him get the right training and environment,” said Vedant’s father Vishwanth Sawant, who is a statelevel Kabaddi player.

BACHCHAN KUMAR Vedant Sawant has been training at the Navi Mumbai Sports Association for the last two and a half years.