Seven-year-old Ishank Singh becomes youngest swimmer to cross Palk Strait

By  News On Air   May 01, 2026

A seven-year-old boy from Jharkhand has become the youngest swimmer to cross the Palk Strait, completing the 29-km stretch between Sri Lanka and India in a record time for his age category.

Ishank Singh, a Class 3 student from Ranchi, finished the swim from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu in 9 hours and 50 minutes. The feat was officially recognised by the Universal Records Forum.

The crossing, part of “Mission Samandar”, began early yesterday morning and saw him battle strong currents and rough seas before reaching the Indian coast by afternoon.