Udupi’s Gangadhar Kadekar sets new record by swimming in water with his wrists and legs shackled

Team Udayavani, Jan 25, 2022, 10:26 AM IST

Udupi: In the midst of the Arabian Sea’s severe conditions, 66-year-old swimmer Gangadhar G. Kadekar of Udupi set a new world record by swimming 3.5 kilometres with his legs and hands shackled in Udupi on Monday. He swam the distance from St Mary’s Island to Padukare in five hours and 35 minutes.

During his feat, Gangadhar was restrained by handcuffs and leg shackles.

At 7.50 a.m., he jumped into the sea in Padukare. At 1.25 p.m., he performed his accomplishment.

Gangadhar told reporters after his achievement that he swam like a dolphin because both his hands and legs were tied. He had to struggle a lot since the sea was choppy, but he never lost his confidence. “As I have been instructing many children in swimming, I created this record to inspire them.” I’m thrilled because I have to prove something to the kids.”

On January 24, 2021, he entered the India Book of Records by swimming 1.4 kilometres in 73.7 minutes while chaining his legs in the ‘Padmasana’ pose in Padukare.

Gangadhar swam breaststroke into the wind to the east side of the shore and reached the flag.

He began swimming when he was 50 years old, as a former employee of the Transportation Department. He has been training adolescents for the previous two years under the Jai Durga Swimming Club, as he is concerned about many young people drowning in the sea.

Gangadhar has earned gold, silver, and bronze medals in senior swimming contests at the state and national levels. Last year, he won the Karnataka Rajyothsava Award at the district level in Udupi.

Gopal Kharvi of the Udupi district made a similar attempt in 2013 when he swam 3.07 kilometres from St. Mary’s Island to Malpe Beach while wearing handcuffs and leg shackles, setting a Guinness World Record.

Nagaraj Kharvi, a government school teacher from Mangaluru, entered the India Book of Records on December 18, 2020, by swimming 1 kilometre in 25 minutes and 16.63 seconds while chaining his legs in the ‘Padmasana’ pose in the water. At Tannirbhavi Beach, he completed this accomplishment.