SportsTuesday, 5 May 2026·The Hindu
India’s Palk Strait swimmer Ishank Singh sets youngest and fastest world record
Seven-year-old Ishank Singh from Ranchi crossed the 29-km Palk Strait from Sri Lanka to India in 9 hours and 50 minutes on 30 April 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 30 April 2026, seven-year-old Ishank Singh from Ranchi crossed the 29-km Palk Strait from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu in 9 hours and 50 minutes.
Key specifics
- The feat was certified by the Universal Records Forum (URF).
- He was titled the Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer.
- The Sri Lankan Navy escorted him for the first 15 km of the crossing.
- The Indian Coast Guard escorted him for the remaining distance in Indian waters.
- Training was conducted at Dhurwa Dam in Ranchi under coaches Aman Kumar Jaiswal and Bajrang Kumar.
Exam lens
Sports and geography MCQ: 29 km, Talaimannar, Dhanushkodi, 9 hours 50 minutes, URF—identify the strait, the record title and the escort agencies.