Who holds the title of the fastest Indian in the under-21 category to swim across the Palk Strait, from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanuskodi in Tamil Nadu?

Sampanna Ramesh Shelar, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education degree, has set a new record by becoming the fastest Indian in the under-21 category to swim across the Palk Strait, from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanuskodi in Tamil Nadu.

Shelar completed the 29 km distance in just 5 hours and 30 minutes, beating the previous record of 8 hours and 26 minutes. He began his swim at 6:00 am on Thursday and reached Dhanushkodi at 11:26 am.

Shelar is mentored by Mr. Jitendra Khasnis and aims to achieve the Oceans Seven Challenge by completing solo swims across the English and Catalina Channels.