Arati Saha

Arati Saha

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Category: Sports & Games

Arati Saha Profile

  • Name:
  • Arati Saha
  • Other Name:
  • Arati Gupta
  • Born:
  • September 24, 1940
  • Died:
  • August 23, 1994

Arati Saha Biography

Arati Saha, also referred to as Arati Gupta and Arati Gupta Saha was an Indian long distance swimmer from Kolkata, West Bengal, who lived during the period, 24 September 1940 – 23 August 1994. She became the first Asian woman to swim across the English Channel, and she achieved this feat in year 1959 at the age of only 19. The following year she was honoured with Padma Shri by government of India. She was the first Indian sportswoman to be awarded Padma Shri. Her sister Bharati Saha is also a swimmer who has defeated Arati in one competition in 100 metres freestyle during her glorious years.

 

Arati Gupta Saha was born in Kolkata in the year 1940. Her father Panchugopal Saha worked in armed forces. She had two siblings. She lost her mother at the age of two. She was raised by her grandmother in North Kolkata, while her siblings by her maternal uncle. Since the age of 4 she used to assist her uncle to the Champatala Ghat for bath. Later she learnt to swim. Her talent was noticed by her father who sent her to the Hatkhola Swimming Club. She earned her first gold medal at the age of five.

 

Her talent was later spotted by Sachin Nag. Between 1946 and 1956, Arati participated in several swimming competitions. She won 22 state-level competitions in West Bengal between 1945 and 1951. In 1948, she participated in the national championship held at Mumbai, and won two medals. In 1949 she earned her first national record in swimming. She represented India at the 1952 Summer Olympics, and was the youngest member of the Indian contingent.

 

She was inspired by Indian swimmer Mihir Sen, the first Indian to conquer the English Channel from Dover to Calais in 1958. She was also inspired by Brojen Das, the first Asian to swim across the English Channel. Arati began to seriously think about participating in the event, and Mihir Sen too supported her. She failed in her first attempt, and made second attempt on 29 September 1959 which she succeeded. Her achievement was then announced by All India Radio.

Published: January 30, 2019

Updated: January 30, 2019

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