Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 25: A swimming competition held on Sunday May 25, on the occasion of the birth day of Sri Lakshmivarateertha Swamiji of Udupi Shirur Mutt in the Arabian sea at the Malpe beach on Sunday May 24, was initiated by the Swamiji himself. The Swamiji swam in the sea waters and did some maneuvers, to signify the inauguration of the competition. The event was organized by Udupi unit of Sri Rama Sene.

The contestants had to swim nearly six kilometers in the sea water between St Mary's Island and Malpe beach. Out of nine persons who participated, veteran swimmer Gopal Kharvi from Gangolly completed the task in one hour five minutes and got the first prize of Rs 5,000 and permanent shield. Gopalakrishna Adiga stood second, with Sunni Gopal having been placed third.

Mementoes were handed over to all the participants. Office bearers of the local unit of Sri Rama Sene, Jitesh, Kumaraswami, entrepreneur Vijay Kumar and Aravind, representative of the sponsoring firm Aircel, were present.