By Shashank Pasupuleti
From Village Shores to the Global Arena:
International Open-Water Swimmer Dr Queeni Victoria Gandham Honoured by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy
Hyderabad:
In a moment of pride for Telangana, internationally acclaimed open-water swimmer Dr Queeni Victoria Gandham was felicitated by Revanth Reddy, the Chief Minister of Telangana, at a state-level Christian community programme held in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Hailing from a rural background and rising to global sporting recognition, Dr Gandham has emerged as a powerful symbol of perseverance and excellence. The Chief Minister, whose home district Mahabubnagar shares her roots, lauded her journey as an inspiration to women and youth across the state, stating that her achievements reflect the true spirit of Telangana’s talent nurtured from the grassroots.
Dr Gandham, along with her son Stephen Kumar, etched their names into world sports history by successfully completing the 17-kilometre open-water sea swim from Mandwa Jetty to the Gateway of India becoming the world’s first mother–son duo to accomplish an open-water ocean swim. The duo has also completed demanding international swims, including crossings from Sri Lanka to India and the Catalina Channel in the United States
With all major international open-water challenges completed, only one milestone remains: the iconic Cook Strait Swim in New Zealand scheduled for January 2026.
With all major international open-water challenges completed, only one milestone remains: the iconic Cook Strait Swim in New Zealand scheduled for January 2026.Recognised globally as the **first-ever mother–son pair in open-water swimming history, Dr Gandham’s achievement has brought international recognition not only to India but also to Telangana.
Receiving the award, she delivered a strong message that resonated beyond sports.
“Age is not a barrier for women—lack of belief in opportunities is. Every woman must recognise her inner strength and step forward with confidence,” she said.
Representatives of the All India Professional Congress (AIPC) were also present at the event. They reiterated AIPC’s continued commitment to identifying sporting talent at the grassroots level, empowering women athletes, and encouraging youth participation in sports as a pathway to national pride and social transformation.
Dr Queeni Victoria Gandham’s journey—from village waters to global oceans—stands today as a testament to resilience, family spirit, and the boundless potential of Indian women in international sports.
