12-year-old Panvel boy creates a record with 17km swim from Gateway of India to Atal Setu

Twelve-year-old Tanay Tushar Lad from Panvel created a new record in open-water swimming by completing the 17km distance from Gateway of India to Atal Setu in 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 37 seconds last Sunday, becoming the fastest swimmer on this route. The record feat was confirmed by the certifying body - Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association (MSAAA).
According to veteran swimmer and former president of Greater Mumbai Aquatic Amateur Association, Zarir Baliwalla, this boy is absolutely amazing, making the impossible task possible by clocking such a fantastic time at this tender age, where professional swimmers take more than three hours to cross the route.
This notable feat was achieved with support from his coaches. Tanay receives training from distinguished swimmer, coach, and mentor Rupali Repale and Aniruddha Mahadik at the Rupali Repale Swimming Academy, Olympic Sports Centre, Palava. Tanay travels all the way to Palava for training on a daily basis, traversing around 45km, four days a week.
Tanay entered the Arabian Sea from Gateway of India while the tide was in his favour. His achievement has established him as a role model in swimming. Baliwalla said, “This boy displayed great tenacity. In a relay event, we could not achieve the time when he did it with ease. His coach Rupali has been a great motivation who spotted the talent that has the potential to create more such records.”
Tanay studies in 6th grade at New Horizon Public School, New Panvel, and his school has been very supportive, said his father Tushar. His school felicitated him with the best swimmer award this year for his consistent achievements. “His training starts as early as 6am. It all began after the Covid lockdown. It’s been 5 years now he has been training under Rupali at her academy. Sometimes, we travel to Nerul Gymkhana swimming pool too for training. For his future endeavours, his coach is the best to decide,” said Tushar.
In 2024, he earned a bronze medal at the International Oceanman competition in Krabi, Thailand, which motivated him to try bigger challenges. He also obtained silver medals in various state-level open-water events, including Sunkrock to Gateway, Periyar Kochi (Kerala), Vijaydurg, and Rankala (Kolhapur), where he demonstrated his superior swimming abilities.
Open-water swimming presents significant challenges. Tanay faced strong waves and difficult weather conditions whilst maintaining his competitive spirit. He successfully conquered these obstacles with remarkable strength, said his coach Rupali. “He is very sincere and hardworking. We have several expeditions lined up in the coming years for him, and I am confident that he can surpass all sorts of obstacles as he did so far,” said Rupali.
His achievement stems from intensive training beginning at age six, psychological preparation, consistent efforts, daily commute from Panvel to Palava, Dombivli for practice, and steady self-belief. His commitment, determination, and expertise serve as an inspiration. Tanay said that his mentor and coach Rupali has been instrumental in identifying and developing the abilities of young swimmers like him and supporting his success. In January this year, he completed a sea swim of 10km at Porbandar in 3 hours while competing with many senior swimmers.