17 swimmers from India and host Bengal will participate in the world’s longest amateur race, the 81K National Open Water Swimming competition down the Bhagirathi river in West Bengal, India on September 5th.
Organzed by the Murshidabad Swimming Association, one of its purposes is to help launch future marathon swimmers around the world.
“This gives Indian swimmers a big motivation if they are eyeing to cross English Channel, Gibraltar Channel among others,” said Ashis Kumar Ghosh. A shorter race of 19K is also held with the winner of the 81K receiving a cash prize of Rs 31,000 (US$662).
Photo of Sufyan Shaikh, a former competitor.
Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones