13-year-old S. Ishaan becomes youngest S14 para swimmer to double-cross Palk Strait

Across National and Tamil Nadu State competitions over the past two years, Ishaan has collected eight gold and two silver medals. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Thirteen-year-old S. Ishaan completed a double crossing of the Palk Strait on Wednesday, setting a record as the youngest S14 para swimmer to achieve the feat.

The Chennai swimmer covered approximately 64km in 18 hours and 50 minutes, starting at 5 p.m. on September 29 and finishing at 11.50 a.m. on September 30. He swam from Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and back to Dhanushkodi.

S. Ishaan in action. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The crossing followed a 5km sea swim in Goa and a 10km swim in Kochi. In preparation, he trained in different sea conditions, gradually progressing from swimming near the shore to sessions farther out at sea.

Ishaan has also built a competitive record in the pool. At the Junior and Sub-Junior National Para Swimming Championship in Bengaluru in June, he won gold in the sub-junior boys’ 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley events.

In 2025, he won gold in the 100m butterfly and silver in the 200m individual medley at the National Championships.

Across National and Tamil Nadu State competitions over the past two years, he has collected eight gold and two silver medals.

Ishaan was diagnosed with autism, intellectual disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at two, according to his mother, Sharmila. He competes in S14, the category for swimmers with an intellectual impairment.

A World Book of Records certificate recognising Ishaan for completing a double crossing of the Palk Strait from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar and back, covering approximately 64km. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Sport initially became part of his routine to develop coordination and help him follow instructions. His mother noticed that he was more attentive in the water.

“He is very happy when he is swimming, as compared to when not in the pool,” Sharmila told Sportstar before the sea swimming attempt.

She introduced him to skating, running, badminton and table tennis as well, without initially aiming for medals. His swimming coaches subsequently identified his potential for competition and began preparing him for races.

Sharmila, an IT engineer, said she had left her job to support his development, adapting activities at home to his interests and working towards small achievements.

The sea crossing was also intended to give Ishaan a sense of joy after he encountered rejection and difficulties interacting with other children.

Sharmila said she wanted him to develop the skills and mental strength to manage daily life independently. Taking on new challenges through sport was part of preparing him for life beyond the pool.

“He needs a tough mindset to accept everything,” she added.

Published on Oct 01, 2026

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