12-year-old autistic girl swims world-record 36 km in the Arabian Sea
Lucknow. In a remarkable feat, a 12-year-old girl, daughter of an Indian Navy sailor created history by swimming 36 km to create awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), officials said on Thursday (February 18). She was felicitated with a trophy at an award ceremony held at a function by Ms. Zarir N Baliwala, President of Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA), for her achievement. The event was conducted by the swimming association of Maharashtra. The event was also associated with the FIT India Movement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affair.
Jiya’s father, a naval sailor, Madan Rai told the media, “She easily cleared the first one-hour at 5.40 am when it was dark. For the first hour, she did her best to move ahead. Beyond that, it was a cakewalk.” Her father also said that it was the happiest moment of his life when she achieved the feat an hour before time, creating a world record.
