New Delhi, August 22: Aarti Saha’s name shines brightly in the world of Indian swimming. She made her international mark at a remarkably young age.
Born on September 24, 1940, in Kolkata, Aarti began swimming at just four years old. By the age of five, she had already won her first swimming competition. She honed her skills under the guidance of the renowned Indian swimmer Sachin Nag, an Asian Games champion and Olympian. Aarti clinched several domestic titles, and in 1951, she set a national record in the 100 meters breaststroke. This achievement led to her selection for the Indian team at the 1952 Olympics.
At the tender age of 11 years and 10 months, she made history as the youngest Indian to participate in the Olympics. Aarti competed in the women’s 200 meters breaststroke heat, finishing sixth with a time of 3:40.8 seconds, but she did not qualify for the semifinals.
Additionally, at just 19 years old, she achieved the remarkable feat of crossing the English Channel, becoming the first Asian woman to do so. Aarti made her first attempt in August 1959 but was unsuccessful. However, on September 29, 1959, after swimming for 16 hours and 20 minutes, she successfully crossed the 42-mile stretch of the English Channel.
Aarti Saha was the first Indian female athlete to receive the prestigious Padma Shri award, which she was honored with by the Government of India in 1960. She passed away on August 23, 1994. In her memory, the government issued a postage stamp in 1998.
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