Guwahati/Mumbai, February 7: Assam’s young swimming prodigy Gariyashi Chutia has scripted history by becoming the first female swimmer and the first Assamese to complete the open-water swim from Karanja Jetty to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra.
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| Historic moment at the Gateway of India as 15-year-old Gariyashi Chutia is felicitated after becoming the first Assamese and first female to complete the Karanja Jetty–Gateway open sea swim. |
The 15-year-old began her challenging swim in the Arabian Sea at 5:10 am from Karanja Jetty and reached the iconic Gateway of India at 10:35 am, completing the nearly 20-kilometre stretch in an impressive 5 hours and 25 minutes amid strong currents and cold, dark waters.
Congratulating her on the historic feat, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Gariyashi’s achievement has brought immense pride to the state and highlighted the growing excellence of Assam’s young sportspersons on the national stage.
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Gariyashi hails from Bordoloni in Assam’s Dhemaji district and is a Class 9 student of Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Guwahati. She trains at the Dr Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex under the Arjun Bhogeswa Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai, under the guidance of coach Babul Gurung.
Her achievement comes close on the heels of another remarkable performance by young swimmer Kiyuchenghan Phukan, further underscoring Assam’s rising prominence in open-water swimming.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu also lauded Gariyashi, stating that her success would inspire young athletes, especially girls, across the state. Widely hailed for her courage, endurance and discipline, Gariyashi’s feat marks a significant milestone not only for Assam but also for women swimmers from the Northeast.
