Hundreds of swimmers of all ages swam across the breadth of Krishna River, 1.5 kilometres, upstream Prakasam Barrage on Sunday competing in the annual river crossing competition by Aqua Devils Welfare Association.
In all, 493 swimmers, including about 200 swimmers aged below 15 years, took part in the competition which was organised for the 20th time, at Durga Ghat.
Commissioner of Police Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao along with the Association Life Chairman and MP Gokaraju Ganga Raju inaugurated the competition.
Mr. Rao appreciated the association for consistently organising the event on the occasion of Republic Day every year. He said such competitions are the need of the hour as they promote a healthy living and life skills.
Mr. Ganga Raju called upon youngsters to learn swimming as it is beneficial for health as well as others in emergency situations. He said swimming also keeps body and mind fit.
Budding swimmers Yagna Sai and J. Ananya won the titles in the under-10 category. B. Srava and Yasasvi finished second and third in the same category. In the 61 and above age category D. Suryanarayana, M. Krishna Murthy and A. Krishna Reddy bagged the top three places.
