Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa witnessed a heartwarming sporting achievement as siblings Abhirvey Jagdale and Disha Jagdale brought pride to the state with their impressive performances at the 2025 Oceanman Open Water World Final Championship held in Dubai from December 5 to 7. Representing India on an international stage that featured participants from more than 90 countries, the young swimmers demonstrated remarkable determination and talent. Nine-year-old Abhirvey completed the challenging 500-meter swim, securing his finisher medal, while his elder sister Disha, aged 13, successfully finished the 2-kilometer event and earned her medal as well.
The brother-sister duo, who study at Kings High School in Sao Jose de Areal, have been celebrated by the local sporting community for their commitment, discipline, and strong performances. Their achievement highlights the growing strength of Goa’s young sporting talent and inspires more children across the state to pursue competitive swimming at higher levels.
In an incredible display of endurance and determination, Arunima Bose, a swimmer and coach from Panaji, Goa, has successfully crossed the English Channel as part of a five-member Indian relay team named SwimLife Arrows.
The team completed the iconic 34-kilometre stretch from Dover (England) to Cap-Gris-Nez (France) in 15 hours and 58 minutes, braving freezing temperatures, strong tides, and unpredictable sea conditions.
The other members of the team included Avinash Thadani, Kiran Rajagopal, Madhur Gopal, and Yajna Somayaji. Together, the five swimmers conquered one of the world’s most demanding open water challenges, which also happens to be part of the prestigious Seven Oceans Challenge. This year’s swim also marked the 125th anniversary of the first solo English Channel swim by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875.
Arunima is more than just a swimmer. She is an Expressive Art Therapist and the lead coach at the Goa Open Water Swimming Club (GOWSC). She trains aspiring sea swimmers from across India and has helped grow a community of open water athletes.
“I’ve been swimming since I was a child,” says Arunima. “But being in Goa motivated me to explore the sea and open water challenges.” While the physical training was intense—consisting of swim drills and gym sessions—Arunima says that cold-water preparation was the real challenge. She regularly practiced ice bath immersions and strengthened her mental resilience through meditation and visualisation.
This achievement not only highlights Arunima’s personal determination but also places Goa and India on the map in the international open water swimming community.
With this milestone, Arunima Bose proves that with preparation, purpose, and passion, no ocean is too vast to conquer.
Panjim, March 18 2025 – The Goa Aquatic Crown 2025, one of India’s largest Open Water Swimming Championship, is set to make waves on April 19th and 20th, 2025, at Caranzalem Beach, Goa. Organized by the Open Water Swimming Academy (OWSA) in collaboration with the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), this prestigious event is expected to attract over 500 swimmers from across India, competing in a range of 1 km, 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km races.
The announcement of this mega Championship was made in a press conference in the distinguished presence of Mr. Rahul Chiplunkar, Head of Planning & Meet Director at OWSA, Mr. Surjeet Dadiala, Head of Business at OWSA, and other prominent figures like Mr. Pawan Gupta, Nodal Officer at NIWS, Mr. Subodh Sule, Head of Routes and Pilot at OWSA, Mr. Sudesh Nagvenkar, Treasurer, Swimming Federation of India, Mr. Ranjeet Sing, NIWS, Manager Training and Mrs. Pavitra Poilkar, Director of Communications at OWSA.
With an estimated 2,000 spectators per day, this championship promises to be a landmark event in the Indian open water swimming calendar. Swimmers of all age groups, from children under 10 to seasoned athletes over 60, will showcase their endurance, skill, and passion for the sport.
Goa has long been a top travel destination, but with events like the Goa Aquatic Crown 2025, it is rapidly becoming a hub for sports tourism and endurance events. The state’s pristine coastline, well-developed infrastructure, and government support for adventure sports make it the perfect venue for high-profile swimming championships.
Mr. Surjeet Dadiala, Head of Business, OWSA – “We are committed to making Goa the epicenter of open water swimming in India. The Goa Aquatic Crown 2025 is a stepping stone toward that vision. Our goal is not only to create a top-tier competitive environment but also to elevate Goa’s reputation as a global destination for open water sports.”
Mr. Subodh Sule, Head of Routes & Pilot, OWSA, added, “With participants from 13 states, this event will further solidify Goa’s position in the competitive swimming landscape. The Goa Aquatic Crown is more than just a championship; it is an opportunity to showcase the state’s growing role as a prime destination for both sports enthusiasts and tourists alike.”
Mrs. Pavitra Poilkar, Director & Head of Communication, OWSA, added, “The Goa Aquatic Crown 2025 will inspire young athletes and highlight Goa’s potential as a sporting hub. This event will motivate the next generation of swimmers and athletes to take up open water swimming as a serious sport.
It’s time to dive into one of India’s most exhilarating sporting challenges! Whether you’re a seasoned open water swimmer or a first-timer seeking your next big adventure, the Goa Aquatic Crown 2025 offers an unbeatable opportunity to push your limits and compete in one of the most breathtaking swimming destinations in the world.
The event features four race categories — 1 km, 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km — catering to all levels of swimmers. This is a chance to compete alongside top athletes and push your endurance to new heights, while being surrounded by Goa’s crystal-clear waters and stunning coastal beauty. The excitement and camaraderie among participants will create an atmosphere one can never forget.
Don’t miss out! Registration is now open, with an entry fee of ₹1500 per person per event. Hurry and secure your spot before registration closes on April 13, 2025. This is your chance to be part of a landmark open water swimming event that will leave you with lasting memories and unforgettable experiences.
The Goa Aquatic Crown 2025 is set to be a thrilling competition, uniting swimmers from across the nation in a celebration of endurance, competition, and the beauty of open water swimming.
