8-year-old Dombivli girl completes 17-km open sea swim from Atal Setu to gateway in 2 hour 52 minutes

THANE: In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, eight-year-old Eva Sanvi Dinesh Parte from Thakurli in Dombivli successfully completed a 17-km open sea swim from Atal Setu to Gateway of India in 2 hours and 52 minutes on Monday.

A Class IV student of Omkar International School, Eva began the swim at around 3 am after offering prayers to the sea and completed the challenging stretch at 5.52 am under difficult sea conditions.

According to her coaches and family members, the young swimmer faced several obstacles during the attempt, including darkness, strong winds, high waves, movement of boats and ships, and unstable sea currents. Floating waste such as plastic bottles, coconuts, flower garlands and tree branches in the polluted waters further added to the challenge.

Despite water repeatedly entering her goggles and forcing brief stops during the swim, Eva continued with determination and successfully reached the Gateway of India, where she received a warm welcome from citizens, relatives and supporters.

Eva had reportedly taken up swimming after her parents encouraged her to engage in outdoor activities and reduce screen time. She started training at Yash Gymkhana and quickly developed an interest in long-distance and sea swimming after watching senior swimmers during practice sessions.

“She would often say that she wanted to swim in the sea like the other children,” a family member said.

Over the past three months, Eva underwent rigorous training for nearly three hours daily under the guidance of coaches Vilas Mane and Ravi Navale. The swim was conducted under the supervision of Maharashtra State Amateur Swimming Association observer Sunil Mayekar.

Her achievement has drawn praise from residents and swimming enthusiasts across the region, with many hailing her courage and discipline at such a young age.

Encouraged by her latest success, Eva is now preparing for her next challenge — a 36-km open sea swim from Dharamtar to the Gateway of India.