Guwahati: Assam added another proud sporting milestone as 15-year-old swimmer Gariyashi Chutia became the first female and first Assamese girl to successfully complete the open sea swim from Karanja Jetty to the Gateway of India in Maharashtra. The feat places her among a select group of long-distance open water swimmers in the country.
Gariyashi began her swim in the Arabian Sea at 5:10 am from Karanja Jetty and reached the Gateway of India at 10:35 am, completing the challenging 20-kilometre route in 5 hours and 25 minutes.
Fifteen-year-old Gariyashi Chutia from Assam became the first Assamese girl to swim from Karanja Jetty to the Gateway of India. She completed the 20-kilometre open sea route in 5 hours 25 minutes, starting at 5:10 am and finishing at 10:35 am, marking a major milestone for Assam swimming.
A Young Achiever from Assam
Gariyashi Chutia is a Class 9 student of Maharishi Vidya Mandir and has been training rigorously in Guwahati. She trains at the Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex, located within the Arjun Bhogeswa Baruah Sports Complex at Sarusajai.
She is coached by Babul Gurung, under whose guidance she prepared for the demanding open sea swim. Long-distance sea swimming requires sustained endurance, strong navigation skills, and the ability to handle tides and currents.
Significance of the Karanja–Gateway Swim
The Karanja Jetty to Gateway of India swim is considered one of the toughest open water routes due to sea currents, boat traffic, and changing water conditions. Successfully completing the route is seen as a benchmark achievement in Indian open sea swimming.
For a 15-year-old athlete from Assam to complete the swim adds to the growing recognition of the state’s presence in national-level aquatic sports.
Another Young Assam Swimmer Makes a Record
Adding to Assam’s recent swimming successes, 7-year-old Kiuchenghan Phukon also created history by completing a 12-kilometre open sea swim from Elephanta Island to the Gateway of India on February 4 (Wednesday). The swim has been recorded as a world record, further highlighting the rise of young swimming talent from the state.
Why This Matters for Guwahati and Assam
Both achievements underline the importance of sports infrastructure and coaching facilities in Guwahati, particularly at Sarusajai, which continues to produce athletes capable of competing on national and international stages.
For aspiring swimmers in Assam, these milestones demonstrate that structured training and early exposure can lead to historic achievements beyond the region.
What’s Next
With two major open sea swimming feats within days, attention is now likely to turn toward future national and international competitions for Assam’s young swimmers. Coaches and sports authorities are expected to further support and nurture emerging talent from the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gariyashi Chutia?
Gariyashi Chutia is a 15-year-old swimmer from Assam who became the first Assamese girl to swim from Karanja Jetty to the Gateway of India.
How long was the Karanja–Gateway swim route?
The route covers approximately 20 kilometres across the Arabian Sea.
Where does Gariyashi train in Guwahati?
She trains at the Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex in the Arjun Bhogeswa Baruah Sports Complex, Sarusajai.
Who is the other young swimmer from Assam mentioned?
Seven-year-old Kiuchenghan Phukon set a world record by completing a 12-kilometre swim from Elephanta Island to the Gateway of India on February 4.
