Guwahati/Mumbai, February 7: Assam's teenage swimming sensation Gariyashi Chutia has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first female swimmer and the first Assamese to successfully complete the challenging open-water swim from Karanja Jetty to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra. Her historic accomplishment has brought pride to Assam and further strengthened the state's growing reputation in open-water swimming.
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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 swimmer began her journey across the Arabian Sea at 5:10 a.m. from Karanja Jetty and reached the iconic Gateway of India at 10:35 a.m., completing the nearly 20-kilometre route in an impressive 5 hours and 25 minutes. Battling strong sea currents, cold waters, and challenging open-sea conditions, Gariyashi displayed exceptional endurance, determination, and mental resilience throughout the swim.
Congratulating the young athlete, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma praised her remarkable achievement, stating that she had brought immense honour to the state through her dedication and perseverance. He said her success reflects the growing excellence of Assam's young sportspersons and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Gariyashi hails from Bordoloni in Dhemaji district and is currently a Class IX student of Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Guwahati. She has been undergoing rigorous training at the Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex under the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex at Sarusajai, where she is coached by renowned swimming trainer Babul Gurung.
Her historic feat comes shortly after another outstanding performance by young Assamese swimmer Kiuchenghan Phukon, highlighting Assam's emergence as a promising centre for open-water swimming in India.
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Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu also congratulated Gariyashi, expressing confidence that her achievement would motivate young athletes, especially girls, to pursue sports with dedication and determination. Sports officials described her accomplishment as a landmark moment for Assam and the Northeast, demonstrating that the region's athletes can excel at the national level with proper training and support.
Widely celebrated for her courage, discipline, and endurance, Gariyashi Chutia's achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of swimmers while reinforcing Assam's growing stature in competitive aquatic sports.
