Panvel: In an extraordinary feat of endurance and skill, 12-year-old Tanay Tushar Lad swam 17 km from the Gateway of India to Atal Setu in just 2 hours and 26 minutes, setting a new record as the fastest swimmer on this route. His achievement was recognized by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale felicitated Tanay at the civic headquarters on Monday, honoring his remarkable accomplishment.
Tanay’s journey through the Arabian Sea was a test of strength and determination as he battled strong tides and challenging weather conditions. Originally from Mahad and now residing in Kamothe, he has been training under swimming coaches Rupali Repale and Aniruddha Mahadik. His accomplishment has been met with widespread celebration among his family, friends, teachers, and schoolmates.
On March 2, 2025, at 8:46 AM, Tanay dived into the Arabian Sea from the Gateway of India and battled strong tides and rough weather to reach Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sea Bridge, also known as Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), by 11:14 AM, establishing a new milestone in open-water swimming.
A Grade 6 student at New Horizon Public School, Panvel, Tanay has also previously won a bronze medal at the Ocean Man competition in Thailand and a silver medal in various national-level open-water swimming events in Kerala, Kolhapur, and Maharashtra.
His rigorous daily training from Panvel to Palava-Dombivli, combined with years of dedication since the age of six, has made him a rising star in swimming. His achievement stands as an inspiration for young athletes across the country.