Team News Riveting
Miss Jiya Rai, a 12-year-old daughter of a Naval sailor Madan Rai, created history by swimming from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India, a distance of 36 Km.
She is a known case of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dedicated the swimming feat that she achieved in 08 hours and 40 minutes on Wednesday to raise awareness about Autism.
ASD is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
Jiya commenced her record setting feat in the early morning hours of Wednesday at 0350 hours from Bandra-Worli Sea Link and completed at Gateway of India at 1230 hours. The swimming event was conducted under observation of the Swimming Association of Maharashtra, a recognised body of the Swimming Federation of India.
The event was also associated with the FIT India Movement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affair. The award ceremony was held at Gateway of India on Wednesday. Jiya was felicitated with a trophy by Ms Zarir N Baliwala, President of Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA).
Jiya Rai had earlier swam from Elephanta Island to Gateway of India, distance of 14 Km in 03 hrs 27 minutes and 30 sec on February 15, 2020 and holds the world record for youngest girl with ASD to swim 14 km in open waters.
