MP: Padma Shri Satendra Singh Lohiya scripts history, becomes first Divyang Asian swimmer to cross Cook Strait
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh's pride, Padma Shri-awarded international swimmer Satendra Singh Lohiya, created history by successfully crossing New Zealand's Cook Strait, one of the world's most difficult ocean swims. He became the first Asian swimmer with a disability to cross this challenging sea route.
Lohiya had been preparing for this expedition in New Zealand since January 18, 2026, continuously practicing and acclimatizing to the cold water. His first attempt on January 28 was postponed due to bad weather.
Faced extremely cold water & strong currents
Satendra did not give up, prepared again, and accepted the challenge with indomitable courage and confidence on the scheduled date, February 12. During the swim, he faced challenging conditions such as extremely cold water, strong currents, and adverse weather. Yet, he achieved his goal through sheer determination. Despite being 70 percent disabled and wheelchair-bound, his achievement has become an example of indomitable willpower and struggle.
Swimmer Lohiya credited his success to his New Zealand swimming teammates, Pilot Phillips and colleague Mujeeb Khan, who supported him throughout his training and endeavors. He said that this achievement is not just his personal victory, but a victory for Madhya Pradesh and the entire country. This victory sends the message that with determination, courage, and continuous effort, any impossible goal can be achieved.