Local Swimming Prodigies Shine: Siblings Cross Mandovi River, Inspire Young Athletes

In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, two young siblings from Carambolim village successfully crossed the Mandovi River on March 15, 2026, drawing attention to emerging grassroots sporting talent in the region.

Seven-year-old Vihaan Karmalkar became the youngest child from Carambolim to complete the challenging river crossing, while his elder sister, ten-year-old Avni Karmalkar, successfully completed the feat for the second time, showcasing consistency and growing confidence in open-water swimming.

The siblings, students of Shiksha Niketan School in Porvorim, developed their swimming skills during a school-organised camp. What began as a routine training exercise soon evolved into a disciplined pursuit, with both children undergoing regular practice sessions to prepare for the river crossing

According to their parents—fitness trainers and founders of Sunil’s Fitness Wave—the journey was not without challenges. “In the beginning, they would get tired quickly and were unsure about swimming in open water,” their mother said. “But over time, they built stamina and confidence.”

On the day of the crossing, a small crowd gathered along the riverbank as the young swimmers entered the water under supervision. Vihaan, despite his age, maintained steady strokes throughout the stretch, completing the crossing amid cheers from onlookers. Avni, more experienced, displayed composure and technique, pacing herself effectively to finish strong.

Speaking after the event, Avni said she focused on maintaining rhythm. “I just kept swimming steadily and didn’t think too much about the distance,” she said. Vihaan, meanwhile, described the experience as “a little scary at first, but fun.”

Coaches associated with the training camp noted that early exposure and consistent practice played a key role in their success. The achievement has also sparked interest among other children in the village, with more parents reportedly exploring swimming training opportunities.

The siblings’ accomplishment highlights the growing role of school-led sports initiatives and family support in nurturing young talent, offering a reminder that discipline and encouragement can help children push beyond perceived limits.