BENGALURU: Bengaluru-based couple Danish Abdi and Vrushali Prasade have etched their names into history by becoming the first pair to complete an open-water swim from Sri Lanka to India along the historic Ram Setu route. The duo embarked on this ambitious journey on May 7, starting from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka at around 4:30 am and reaching Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu at approximately 3:15 pm. This monumental feat covered nearly 32 kilometers across the Palk Strait, taking a total of 10 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

Following their successful swim, the couple shared their exhilaration on Instagram, where they received an outpouring of support and congratulatory messages from social media users. In a post, they wrote, “We did it! Sri Lanka to India. 10 hrs 45 mins. Tough day out in the water. More details to follow after a 12hr no alarm sleep.”

The couple later reflected on their journey, stating, “Still cannot believe how far we’ve come in just a matter of 4 years when we started learning to swim! This swim was all heart, it was each other's company that gave us the emotional & mental strength to keep going, and it was all thanks to the training and preparation given to us by our coach Satishmata1 and Yaqoob sir that enabled us to be equipped enough for taking on this mammoth of a challenge!”

The swim was conducted under strict safety measures, with support boats, paramedics, and personnel from the Indian Coast Guard accompanying the swimmers throughout the journey. Their achievement has received widespread praise online, with many social media users applauding the couple’s endurance, preparation, and teamwork in completing the demanding cross-border swim. One user wrote, “Huge congratulations!! Unknowingly you have inspired many of us, now more people will follow your path.” Another wrote, “This an amazing level of perseverance and determination! Kudos to you too! Proud proud.” A third user commented, “Congratulations, You guys proved, nothing is impossible.”

Their journey not only highlights the couple's physical and mental strength but also underscores the importance of teamwork, training, and support in achieving extraordinary goals.