Satendra Singh Lohiya

Satendra Singh Lohiya (born 6 July 1987) is an Indian paraswimmer. He has 70% in both legs but became known for long-distance sea swimming. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2024 for his contribution to Indian sports.

 Early life 
Satendra was born in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh. He became disabled at 15 days old due to a medical condition. He was encouraged by IAS officer P. Narahari and trained under Dr. Virendra Dabas. He started competitive swimming in 2009.

 Swimming achievements 
 In 2018, Satendra and three other para swimmers from India crossed the English Channel in a relay in 12 hours and 26 minutes.

 In 2019, he crossed the Catalina Channel in the United States in 11 hours and 34 minutes, making an Asian record.

 In 2022, he completed the 36 km North Channel between Ireland and Scotland in icy waters as part of a relay team.

 In 2023, he was part of a team that swam the English Channel two ways (72 km) in relay format.

 Awards 
He received:
 Vikram Award (2014), top sports award of Madhya Pradesh.
 Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2019), presented by President Ram Nath Kovind.
 Padma Shri (2024) for contribution to sports.

 Awareness Campaign 
In 2023, he led a 4,320 km bike rally from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to raise awareness about disability rights and para sports.

 Book 
A biography titled A Life-Changing Approach was written by Devrishi in 2024, highlighting his life and motivation.

 References 

 Other websites 
 Paralympic.org profile

Category:1987 births
Category:Living people
Category:swimmers