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Bhakti Sharma

Bhakti Sharma is an Indian open-water swimmer known for her long-distance swims across several oceans and seas around the world. She has represented India in international open-water swimming events and has been recognised in India for her contributions to the sport.

Key Facts

Name Bhakti Sharma
Nationality Indian
Sport Open-water swimming
Discipline Long-distance / cold-water swimming
Country represented India

Background

Sharma began swimming at a young age and developed an interest in long-distance open-water events early in her career. She was trained and supported in her swimming pursuits from childhood, with her family playing a significant role in her preparation for endurance swims.

Career

Sharma has undertaken open-water swims in challenging environments, including swims in oceans across multiple continents. She is particularly noted for her cold-water swimming, having attempted swims in polar waters where water temperatures pose significant physiological challenges to endurance athletes.

Open-water swimming

Open-water swimming, the discipline in which Sharma competes, involves swimming in outdoor bodies of water such as oceans, seas, lakes and rivers, and is recognised as a competitive sport at international level, including at the Olympic Games. Long-distance and extreme cold-water swims are typically governed by rules that limit the swimmer's protective equipment, requiring swims to be conducted in standard swimsuits without wetsuits.

Recognition

Sharma has received attention in Indian sports media for her swims and has been honoured with awards recognising achievements by Indian sportspersons in non-traditional and adventure sports.

Significance

Sharma's swims have helped raise the profile of open-water and endurance swimming in India, a country where competitive swimming has historically focused on pool events. Her career has contributed to broader interest in adventure sports and women's participation in endurance disciplines in India.

References