Theni boy sets new record in swimming: crosses Palk Strait in 10 1/2 hours

A 10 year old boy, Jai Jaswant from Allinagaram, Theni has set a new record in swimming by crossing the Palk strait in 10 1/2 hours.

Jai Jashwant, reached Rameshwaram port on March 27 late evening along with his father, Coach Vijaykumar and 14 others. The troupe reached Thalaimannar of Srilanka through a fishing motor boat. 

Jai Jashwant started off from Oormalai from Thalaimannar by 4 am on March 28. He touched the Indian waters by 9.45 am and reached the shores of Dhanushkodi's Arichalmunai by 2.30 pm.

It was reported that Jashwant has crossed the 28 km stretch in 10 1/2 hrs and has set a new world record. He was welcomed by ADSP Elango, Coast guards and tourists who gathered in Arichalmunai.

Jashwant said, "I thank my parents and coach who helped to create a record...I am planning to set another record in the next 3 years by starting from Dhanushkodi to Thalaimannar and then return back to Dhanushkodi".

Coach Vijaykumar added, "Jashwanth becomes the youngest boy to cross the Palk Strait beating the record of Kutraleeswaran who earlier held a record of crossing the stretch in 16 hours at an age of 12."