Murshidabad has been home to many historical events, most of which have gone on to shape the topography of Bengal, if not India. One such historic event is the annual swimming competition from Ahiran Barrage Ghat in Jangipur to College Ghat in Berhampore. It is an 81km race, making it the longest and probably the most challenging race in the whole world.
This year marks the 79th year of the race, which was started pre-independence by freedom fighters, to showcase their resilience, their strength, and their integrity towards the resistance of the British imperial forces. Affiliated by the Swimming Federation of India, the competition held in Murshidabad brought together countries like Spain, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Belgium as applicants. This race is equivalent to that of the English Channel, and swimmers from around the world look for an opportunity to participate. General Secretary of Murshidabad Swimming Association Debendra Nath Das said, “This is a prestigious competition, and we have been fortunate to be helped in all ways possible by the government of West Bengal and the local community to stage this magnanimous race. It is the cradle for swimmers to go onto bigger world stages, and we are very proud of all the participants who are undertaking this task.”
16 committees together had decided the list of swimmers. A total of 21 swimmers had been selected, out of which 3 were international athletes: Mikel Arteaga from Spain, Noyon Ali, and MD Nurul Islam from Bangladesh. On the list was a neurosurgeon from Maharashtra, and a specially abled woman with one leg. Arteaga expressed, “This is my first time in India, and I am very excited for this race. The waters are different from the European rivers, but I hope to complete the race and try my best to enjoy the experience.” Arteaga came in fourth place. Both the Bangladeshi boys came in 2nd and 3rd, with seconds to spare among each other. MD Raja Mia, the national coach for Bangladesh, said, “We are elated that we could come to Murshidabad. We have come with a lot of hopes, my boys have trained really hard. Inshallah, we hope to bring on great results!” Coach did not lie about the training, because the swimmers did perform well.
Present in the inauguration ceremony were Chairman of Municipality Berampore Naru Gopal Mukherjee; President of Bengal Amateur Swimming Association Ramanuj Mukherjee, DM Arup Kumar Biswas, SP Murshidabad Amit Sahu, and OC Murshidabad Arijit Sarkar. The swimmers were transported in school buses to the camp set up near Ahiran Ghat for the early morning the next day. The race began at 5 am on a bright Sunday morning. Every swimmer was assigned a hand-drawn boat with two Majhi and a lifeguard of their choice. Provided with numbered swimming caps, food packets, and essential lifesaving equipment, the swimmers descended into the bigger boats from which they would dive and start the race, almost a day long.
Pratyay Bhattacharya was already a fan favourite, as he was on a two-time streak as the winner of this race. A young athlete, Pratyay, leads the future of swimming in this country on a bright path. Pratyay was the reigning champion yet again, completing his hattrick by almost an hour to spare from the 2nd position. Pratyay swam for 10 hours and 55 minutes. How resilient the human body is to have endured this hardship. He said, “At one point my heart beat was a little weird, which scared me, but I kept going, and completed the race,” the swimming goggles still on his face.
Thus began the race, but what was fascinating was the complete overwhelming involvement of the residents of Jangipur. Women with little kids, elders, and men in boats, all had gathered on both sides of the river with such electrifying energy that it felt like Durga Puja had arrived early.
Ramanuj Mukherjee, BASA president, pointed out, “Today’s most crucial crisis we face is the lack of hand-drawn boats as more and more boatmen are going out of their profession. This race nurtures young talents and shapes the future of swimming in this country. It is undoubtedly important to think of alternatives to sustain this community of swimmers.” Mukherjee has been a stalwart in swimming as a sport, working with figures like Late Subash Chakraborty, former Sports Minister of Bengal.
The rarity of this race also lies in the prize for the winners. The winner gets a solid gold medal. Along with six trophies from various organisations, signature designed plates from Murshidabad, miniature statues, Pratyay was showered with cheers and applause from the crowd as well.
There is a great sense of community prevailing in this race happening on the last Sunday of August every year. People from all around Murshidabad visit to witness the world’s longest race. There is food, music, dance, and culture surrounding the race, which truly makes this an ecosystem.