Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP) 

Kundapur, Dec 2: On Sunday December 1, Sampath D Kharvi, a student of Bhandarkar's College, created a new record by swimming in Panchagangavalli River with both his legs tied with iron chains. Sampath is a resident of Kharvikeri here. 

Sampath swam in the river from the railway bridge at Basrur to the riverbank at Gangolli. This feat created a personal record for him. The student began his adventure at 2 pm with Prakash Kharvi, president of Mahakali temple managing committee, binding his legs with an iron chain. Sampath took about four hours to reach his destination.

Sampath Kharvi is an enormously talented swimmer from Kharvikeri here. He reached his destination at around 5.05 pm. A group of swimmers which included Sampath's father, Devaraya Kharvi, Subrahmanya Kharvi, Mani Kharvi, Ranjith Kharvi and Harish Kharvi provided security cordon to Sampath on this 25 km journey. 

Medical officer of the government hospital here, Vijay Shankar, physical education teacher, Anand Poojary, Tallur gram panchayat member, Sunil Kharvi Tallur, Ashok Kerekatte, head of 'Manasa Jyothi', Shobha Madhyastha and hundreds of fans were present to wish the young swimmer all the best. A number of supporters followed him in boats, and kept his spirits buoyant by beating percussion instruments like drum and Chende. Thousands of people who lined up the riverbank all the way encouraged Kharvi. At Gangolli port, police sub-inspector, Vasappa Naika received Sampath and praised his achievement. 

Members of Yuva Brigade, Kharvikeri here, felicitated Sampath for this feat. Harshavardhan Kharvi compered the programme. Journalist, Mazhar Kundapur, was present.