Eluru man becomes Andhra Pradesh’s first para-swimmer to conquer English Channel, Palk Strait

Balaga Ganesh, a para-swimmer from Eluru, has etched his name into the record books by completing two of the most challenging open-water swims in the world — the English Channel and the Palk Strait — within a span of just two months.

Ganesh (38) was part of the ‘Pride of India – A Team’, a six-member relay team that successfully swam across the English Channel, covering a distance of 34 km from England to France in the Atlantic Ocean on June 16. The swim took the team 13 hours and 37 minutes, making it a historic achievement for all involved. Mr. Ganesh is the first para-swimmer from Andhra Pradesh to achieve this distinction.

Prior to this, on April 18, Ganesh swam 28 km across the Palk Strait — from Sri Lanka to India — in just 10 hours and 30 minutes, becoming the first para-swimmer from the Telugu States to complete the crossing. This feat further established him as a trailblazer in para-sports.

Eluru District Collector K. Vetriselvi honoured Mr.Ganesh at a felicitation ceremony on Sunday. Commending his perseverance and dedication, she said, “Ganesh’s determination exemplifies what true grit and courage look like. His achievements are an inspiration not only for para-athletes but for every young person in this country.”

Joint Collector P. Dhatri Reddy, District Revenue Officer V.Visweshwara Rao and District Sports Development Officer B. Srinivasa Rao were present.