Udupi swimmer sets Guinness record

UDUPI: In an attempt to get his name in the Guinness Book of  World Records, Gopal Kharvi (36) from Kodikanyana in Udupi, swam in the Arabian sea with his hands and legs tied, from St Mary’s Island to Malpe beach, on Sunday morning. He swam nine km to reach Malpe beach, to the applause of the gathering in just 2.45 hours.DySP Jayanth Shetty locked Kharvi’s hands and legs with handcuffs. He entered the sea at St Mary’s Island at 7.30 am and reached Malpe beach at around 10.15 am. Udupi Block Congress president and fishermen leader Pramod Madhwaraj, members of the swimmer’s family and others received him. In December 2009, Gopal attempted a similar record and swam the distance in 2.20 hours to get his name in the Limca Book of Records.