Pranab Mukherjee congratulates Bhakti Sharma for world swimming record

President Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated Bhakti Sharma for setting a world record by swimming 1.4 miles in 52 minutes in the Antarctic Ocean.

In his message, the President said, “I am delighted to know that you have set a world record by swimming 1.4 miles in 52 minutes in the Antarctic Ocean, becoming the world’s youngest and the first Asian girl to achieve this feat. Your success is a matter of great pride for all Indians, especially our youth. The whole country joins your family and you in celebrating this impressive achievement. I extend my congratulations and wish you continued success in all future endeavours”.

Bhakti Sharma has set a world record by swimming in one degree temperature at Antarctic Ocean. She has bettered the earlier record of British open water swimmer Lewis Pugh and American swimmer Lynne Cox, a release said.

Bhakti is now the youngest in the world and the first Asian girl to have achieved this feat. Bhakti, a recipient of Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2010, expressed her gratefulness towards Udaipur-based Hindustan Zinc for supporting her when she had lost hope for her mission and needed the support.

Akhilesh Joshi, the chief executive officer of Hindustan Zinc, said, “We are very proud of Bhakti Sharma for this rare achievement. Whole country is proud of her and particularly girls who would be seeing her as inspiration to join swimming. Her achievement only proves that given the right support and opportunities India can produce many such talents.”

Bhakti has been pursuing open water swimming for the last ten years. She has now conquered all the five oceans of the world.