MP’s Satendra Lohiya turns first Asian para swimmer to cross Cook Strait

International para swimmer Satyendra Singh Lohiya from Madhya Pradesh has scripted history by successfully crossing the Cook Strait, one of the toughest sea channels in the world. With this feat, the 38-year-old athlete has become the first para swimmer in Asia to conquer the challenging maritime passage.A resident of Gata village in Bhind district, Lohiya achieved the milestone on February 12 after battling extremely cold waters, strong sea currents and unpredictable weather conditions. He had been training in New Zealand since January 18, 2026, acclimatising himself to the icy waters. His initial attempt on January 28 had to be called off due to inclement weather, but he regrouped and successfully completed the crossing in his second attempt.Despite being 70% disabled and wheelchair-bound, Lohiya demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination to accomplish the feat, drawing admiration across the country.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav congratulated Lohiya through a message on social media platform X.“Padma Shri awardee Satendra Singh Lohiya has made history by crossing the Cook Strait. This is a moment of pride for Madhya Pradesh and India. Future generations will be inspired by his determination,” the Chief Minister said.
Lohiya has consistently pushed boundaries in open-water swimming. In 2018, he completed a 36-km English Channel team swim. In 2019, he swam across the Catalina Channel in the United States. He also completed the 33-km Mumbai sea circuit in 5 hours and 42 minutes, and later crossed the English Channel solo in 12 hours and 26 minutes.His achievements have earned him several prestigious honours, including the Vikram Award (2014), the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2020 — becoming the first para athlete to receive it — the Best Sportsman National Award in 2021, and the Padma Shri in 2024.Lohiya credited his success to his New Zealand swimming partners, pilot Phillips and collaborator Mujib Khan, who supported him throughout the training and crossing.He said the achievement is not merely a personal victory but a triumph for Madhya Pradesh and the entire nation. His journey sends a powerful message that determination, courage and relentless effort can overcome even the most daunting challenges.Lohiya’s accomplishment stands as a beacon of inspiration for persons with disabilities and aspiring athletes, reaffirming that physical limitations cannot restrain human willpower.