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IAS Officers Make History with English Channel Relay Swims, Set New Benchmark for Endurance and Public Service

• ByStartupStory     |    July 17, 2025

In a remarkable demonstration of grit, determination, and national pride, two serving Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers — Deepak Babulal Karwa (Haryana Cadre) and Abhinav Gopal (Uttar Pradesh Cadre, 2020 Batch) — have etched their names in history by successfully completing relay swims across the English Channel. This achievement marks the first time serving IAS officers have conquered one of the world’s most demanding open-water challenges.

Certified by the Channel Swimming Association (CSA), Deepak Karwa completed his relay swim on June 16, 2025, clocking a formidable time of 13 hours and 39 minutes. Just two days later, on June 18, 2025, Abhinav Gopal’s relay team completed the crossing in an impressive 11 hours and 19 minutes, setting a new national record for India in the English Channel relay category.

Each officer was part of a six-member relay team, rotating swimmers every hour as per CSA guidelines. Their teams — aptly named “Pride of India A” and “Pride of India B” — comprised individuals from diverse walks of life, including para-athletes, police officers, students, and fellow civil servants, symbolising unity and the spirit of service.

The swims were not without their challenges. Water temperatures hovered between 14°C and 18°C, demanding intense cold endurance. Swimmers had to battle strong tidal currents, heavy swells, and perpendicular cross-currents, which extended the usual 32 km route to a taxing 47 km. The seas were also teeming with jellyfish, adding to the peril of the mission. Despite the conditions, the teams persevered, maintaining rhythm and discipline in one of the most unpredictable open-water environments.

Both swims were supervised by CSA-certified observers and licensed pilot vessels, ensuring safety and adherence to international swimming standards. The Channel Swimming Association, established in 1927, is the globally recognized body governing English Channel swims.

The teams were led by Arjuna Awardee and para-swimming icon Prasanta Karmakar, whose mentorship helped guide the swimmers across both technical and mental challenges. Among the accomplished participants were swimmers such as Manav Rajesh More, Aman Shanbag, Rajbir, Ganesh Balaga, Murigeppa Channannavar, Robin Baldeo, Aayushi Akhade, Ayush Tawade, Shashruti Nakade, and Ishant Singh.

This historic feat comes just months after the group’s successful relay swim across the Palk Strait in April — a 28 km swim between Sri Lanka and India completed in 8.5 hours — showcasing their growing legacy of endurance swims.

The officers’ accomplishment goes far beyond personal accolades. It reflects the spirit of public service, unity across professions, and a commitment to pushing both physical and symbolic boundaries. Their journey highlights how civil servants can lead not just in governance, but also in inspiration and nation-building through acts of personal courage.

Quoting team leader Prasanta Karmakar, the initiative underscored a deeper message: “Life’s supreme priority is humanity… together, we can overcome even the toughest tides.”

This dual Channel relay is now a landmark moment in the annals of Indian sports and civil service history, underlining a broader truth — that true leadership is measured not only in offices, but also in open seas.

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