12-Year-Old Jiya Rai Raises Autism Awareness With Historic Swim In Mumbai

Jiya Rai, a 12-year-old from Mumbai, created history with a 36-kilometer swim in 8 hours and 40 minutes, covering the distance between the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Gateway of India. Rai, who is on the autism spectrum, swam with an aim to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Defence Ministry stated.

As per an official statement, Rai began her swim early Wednesday morning at 3:50 am and completed around 12:30 pm. The daughter of Madan Rai, a naval sailor, the 12-year-old is a recognised swimmer who has previously too created a world record in the sport.

Miss Jiya Rai, 12-year-old daughter of a naval sailor, created history by swimming from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India, a distance of 36-km in 8 hours and 40 minutes to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder: Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing) pic.twitter.com/0iSHIUEPp0

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2021

Jiya Rai: A Prolific Swimmer

In February last year, Rai swam 14 kilometers, from Elephanta Island to Gateway of India, in record time of 3 hours 27 minutes and 30 seconds—a good 55 minutes short of the time that had been set. She was awarded a trophy and certificate for her breakthrough.

The talented girl started swimming at the age of ten, as per her father. He said while her training started as therapy, it has now become her passion. “In 2010, doctors advised me to get my daughter into swimming... She took up the therapy in the right spirit and today she can communicate with us and fulfill her needs better."

Jiya Rai holds the world record for being the youngest girl with ASD to swim 14 kilometers in open waters.