Assam child prodigy scripts history at 7, conquers 13-km Mumbai sea route; watch

At just seven, Kiuchenghan Phukon has delivered a performance that stands out in Indian open-water swimming. The Assam native completed the demanding stretch from Elephanta Island to the Gateway of India, swimming nearly 13 kilometres in 3 hours and 29 minutes on February 4.

Her effort has reportedly made her the youngest person in the world to finish this route. She is also the first female swimmer from Northeast India to successfully take on and complete the challenge.

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A Demanding Test In Open Water

Kiuchenghan entered the Mumbai waters at 2:36 pm from Elephanta Island and reached the Gateway of India at 6:05 pm. The route is widely regarded as challenging due to strong currents and constantly shifting sea conditions in the Arabian Sea.

Despite the testing environment, she maintained her rhythm and pace across the entire stretch. Completing such a swim at her age has drawn praise from across the state and the country.

Preparation Behind The Performance

Originally from Holouguri in Charaideo district, Kiuchenghan studies in Class 2. She is the daughter of Hemanga Phukan and Rimli Hazarika Phukan. The family currently resides in Six Mile, Guwahati.

She reportedly trains at the Dr Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex inside the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai, Guwahati.

Under the guidance of coach Babul Gurung, she followed consistent practice sessions tailored for open-water endurance. Her discipline and structured training played a key role in preparing her for the long-distance swim.

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The sea route is known for unpredictable conditions, including tides, waves and marine traffic. Even with these challenges, she completed the 13-kilometre distance in 3 hours and 29 minutes at the age of seven.

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Congratulations From Across Assam

Her achievement has been widely acknowledged in Assam. Bhaskar Das, secretary of the Assam Swimming Association, congratulated her and termed the feat a proud moment for the state. Assam Sports Minister Nandita Garlosa also congratulated the young swimmer, sharing her appreciation for the record-setting swim.

Assam’s Kiuchenghan Phukon has become World’s Youngest Swimmer to swim from Elephanta island to Gateway of India.She completed in 3 hours 29 mins a distance of
12km. She has been training under Babul Gurung at Zakir Hussain Swimming Complex at Arjun Bhogeswar Barua Stadium.… pic.twitter.com/JILDL6sqUO

— Nandita Gorlosa (@GorlosaNandita) February 5, 2026

With this accomplishment, Kiuchenghan has become the youngest person to complete the route and the first female swimmer from Northeast India to achieve it.