Indian Para-Swimmer Satendra Singh Lohiya Conquers Cook Strait

Indian para-swimmer Satendra Singh Lohiya has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Asian para-swimmer to cross the challenging Cook Strait in New Zealand. The 38-year-old athlete, originally from the Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh, completed the crossing on Friday, February 2, 2024, swimming a distance of 23.6 kilometres in a time of nine hours and 22 minutes.

Lohiya, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2024 for his contributions to sports, expressed his emotions through social media after the historic swim. “Historic Achievement, Cook Strait New Zealand Victory. Today, I feel deeply emotional and immensely proud… for the first time in Asia, a differently-abled swimmer has crossed the Cook Strait,” he stated.

Preparation for this feat began when Lohiya arrived in New Zealand in the third week of January. He trained rigorously in the frigid waters of the Cook Strait, one of the most demanding maritime routes in the world. The arduous training was essential to acclimatize to the conditions he would face during the crossing.

The achievement garnered immediate recognition from various officials, including Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. He congratulated Lohiya, stating, “Padma Shri and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awardee, Madhya Pradesh’s international para swimmer Shri @SatendraSLohiya, has created history by successfully crossing New Zealand’s Cook Strait, one of the toughest sea channels in the world.” Yadav further remarked that this accomplishment reflects Lohiya’s unwavering spirit and determination, which serve as an inspiration for future generations.

Lohiya’s journey in swimming began in 2017, following a challenging childhood. Both of his legs were disabled in infancy due to inadequate treatment for diarrhoea. Despite these obstacles, he began open-water swimming and made headlines in 2018 when he crossed the English Channel with an Indian para-swimming team, completing the distance of 34 kilometres in 12 hours and 26 minutes.

His accolades extend to national competitions, having participated in 11 National Paralympic Swimming Championships where he secured a total of 23 medals. This impressive tally includes four gold, 12 silver, and seven bronze medals. At the National Paralympic Swimming Championships held in Guwahati, he notably won a gold medal in the 100-metre backstroke.

Lohiya has also represented India on the international stage, competing in three international Paralympic swimming championships, where he achieved one gold medal, two silver medals, and one bronze medal. His achievements not only highlight his personal dedication but also contribute to the growing recognition of para-athletes in India.

This historic crossing of the Cook Strait marks a significant chapter in Lohiya’s career and serves as a testament to the capabilities of differently-abled athletes worldwide. His journey inspires many, showcasing how determination and hard work can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.