Satendra became the first Asian paraswimmer to conquer Cook Strait, created history in 9 hours 22 minutes

Gwalior: Madhya Pradesh’s paraswimmer and Padmashree awardee Satendra Lohia has once again created history. Satendra Lohia has become the first Asian para swimmer to cross the Cook Strait sea channel of New Zealand. He accomplished this feat on Thursday. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has also congratulated him on his achievement.

Born in Bhind, para swimmer posted in Indore created history

Satendra Lohia, originally born in Gaata village of Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, is currently posted in the Commercial Tax Department in Indore. Despite being handicapped in his legs, he is an excellent para swimmer and he has proved his ability not once but many times. On 12 February 2026, Satendra crossed the Cook Strait sea channel of New Zealand, one of the most difficult sea channels in the world. With this he has become the first para swimmer in Asia to do so.

First attempt was canceled due to weather

Satendra Lohia achieved this feat in his second attempt. They were preparing for this expedition in New Zealand from January 18, 2026 and were continuously doing rigorous exercises and acclimatization in cold water. He made his first attempt on January 28 but had to stop due to bad weather. After this, he continued his preparation and despite being 70 percent disabled, on February 12, he created history by swimming across the Cook Strait in 9 hours and 22 minutes in his second attempt.

Chief Minister congratulated on social media

Along with the sports world, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also congratulated him on his achievement. Sharing the post on his social media handle, he wrote, “Padma Shri and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awardee, International Paraswimmer Shri Satendra Singh Lohia from Madhya Pradesh has created history by successfully crossing Cook Strait of New Zealand, one of the most difficult sea channels in the world.

With this spectacular feat, he has become the first paraswimmer in Asia to conquer Cook Strait. I heartily congratulate him for this extraordinary success. This proud moment for the country and Madhya Pradesh shows their passion and determination, which will continue to inspire the coming generations.”

Have crossed first the English and then the Catalina Channel.

Satendra Singh Lohia already has two big achievements in his name. For the first time in 2018, he crossed the 36 kilometer long English Channel with his team in 12 hours 26 minutes. After this he crossed the Catalina Channel of the United States in 2019. After this, the swim circuit of Mumbai which is about 33 kilometers long was completed in 5 hours 42 minutes. And now a new record has been set by crossing the Cook Strait Sea Channel.