Elvis Ali Hazarika Makes Assam Proud By Becoming The First Swimmer To Cross Catalina Channel

Elvis Ali Hazarika, the 34-year-old former international swimmer, set himself to become the first swimmer from Assam to cross the Catalina Channel in the United States of America. Elvis Ali Hazarika began swimming across the Catalina Channel from the US to reach Mexico. He covered a distance of 80 km in 10 hrs 59 mins.

It is to be mentioned that Elvis dedicated this feat to Abhi-Neel. "Both of them lost their lives in a tragic incident. I have decided to dedicate my attempt to cross Catalina Channel to Nilutpol Das and Abhijeet Nath so that they can stay alive in our memory.

Elvis Ali Hazarika became the first swimmer from Northeast to cross the English Channel. With plans to pursue his dreams in August this year, Elvis has announced to prepare for the task by training in London before swimming through the Channel from London to France for a 68 km stretch.

Hazarika won as many as 68 national and 6 international gold medals. At the age of 9, Elvis represented the nation in the Asia Pacific Swimming Championship in the year 1991. He also represented India in South Asian Federation Games in 1995 and 1999 and the World Police Games in 2009 and Assam in the All-India-Pacific National Aquatic Games, Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior Aquatic National Championship and National Games.

Besides training for swimming, Elvis is also training for fitness with body-builder Mahadev Deka. Yoga and meditation are also a part of his preparation.

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