Udupi: Moment of pride: Gopal Kharvi sets Guinness World Record
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)
Udupi, Dec 1: In an achievement that would make every person in Udupi and the coastal region proud, ace swimmer Gopal Kharvi on Sunday December 1 set a new Guinness World Record by swimming a distance of 3 km with his hands and legs bound.
Kharvi started his swim from St Mary's Island at 7.37 am with hands and legs bound in iron cuffs. He reached Malpe beach mainland at 10.20 am, covering a distance of 3.07 km and thus setting a new record.
Kharvi's record was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records adjudicator Praveen Patel from London.
Following the stupendous feat, a stage programme was held wherein MP Jayaprakash Hegde congratulated Kharvi and said that the government should take steps to do something for Kharvi's future.
"Kharvi had taken loans amounting to Rs 8 lac from various people. Shiroor Math and several other people have helped him in generating Rs 12 lac which he had to spend on setting this record. I urge the government and the people to help him repay the loan amount," he said.
Former MLA Raghupati Bhat said there are lots of nationalized banks based in Udupi and Kharvi should be provided with a job in one of them. "This is an athletic achievement and deserved to be considered for job," he added.
Laxmivaratirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Math said that Kharvi was an inspiration to all, especially youngsters and everyone should learn from him. "The efforts and hard work we put in never go waste, and Kharvi is an example," he said.
Siddharaju of Bangalore who holds the record for husking coconuts with his teeth, who was also present, congratulated Kharvi on his achievement.
Guinness World Record adjudicator Praveen Patel while declaring the record said that there were many rules which had to be followed, like hands and legs cuffed in iron chains, with nothing to support except goggles, distance accurately measured using GPS and so on. "All these rules and requirements were accurately followed by Gopal Kharvi and its my great pleasure to declare him a winner," he said.
Speaking to daijiworld, Kharvi said that he had tried to set the record in January 2012 but had failed as he could not arrange for GPS and due to some technical issues.
"But I have achieved it this time and I feel very proud and happy about it. Lots of people helped me achieve this feat. Being from poor family it is not easy to set a world record - I had to spend Rs 12 lac on it, and I hope the government will help me make a living in the days to come," he said.
Asked about his experience in setting the record, he said, "When I reached about 2 kilometres, there was heavy wind and the waves were strong. It was very difficult to go one, but I thought to myself that this was a golden opportunity I may never get again. I gave my all and pushed myself, and I am happy that I was able to reach my goal."
District incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake and MLA Pramod Madhwaraj who were present assured all government assistance to Kharvi.
Udupi SP Dr Boralingaiah, ASP Santosh, Yashpal Suvarna and others were present.