By City Bureau
Rajya Sabha MP assures Queeni Victoriya Gandam of support and coordination with Tamil Nadu Sports Ministry; pledges encouragement for sporting initiatives across India
HYDERABAD: Rajya Sabha MP and senior All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC) leader Praveen Chakravarty unveiled the brochure for the ambitious “Goa Ocean Coast Swim 2026” at ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad, extending his support to open-water swimmer Queeni Victoriya gandam and assuring her of assistance in taking the sporting and social initiative forward.
The programme was attended by AIPC Telangana State President Dr. Gillela Aditya Reddy, National Head Navika Harshi, Shashank Pasupuleti, along with AIPC State Heads, Deputy Heads, District Heads and other members. The gathering appreciated the initiative, which seeks to combine a demanding endurance challenge with awareness on drug prevention, organ donation and inclusion in sports.
Chakravarty Assures Support, Encourages Swimmer
Unveiling the brochure, Praveen Chakravarty appreciated Queeni Victoriya gandam for taking up the challenging mission and encouraged her to pursue the initiative with determination. He said sporting efforts carrying a larger social purpose deserved wider institutional and public encouragement.
Chakravarty assured Victoriya that he would extend his support and facilitate coordination with the Tamil Nadu Sports Ministry and the concerned Sports Minister for the proposed expedition. He also invited her to remain in touch so that the initiative could be taken up with the appropriate authorities and assured her that he would help facilitate a discussion with the Sports Minister.
Going beyond the immediate Goa Ocean Coast Swim, Chakravarty said he would be willing to support and encourage meaningful sports-related initiatives at the pan-India level, particularly those that promote social awareness, inclusion and opportunities for sportspersons.
His assurance and words of encouragement were welcomed by the swimmer and those present, as the initiative prepares for an endurance challenge requiring not only physical preparation but wider coordination and support.
Aditya Reddy Extends Support
Dr. Gillela Aditya Reddy congratulated Queeni Victoriya gandam on the initiative and extended his support for the proposed swim. He appreciated the effort to use sport as a platform to spread socially relevant messages and wished the entire swimming team success.
Other AIPC representatives present at the programme also expressed their encouragement and support for the mission.
1,260-km Endurance Mission
According to the brochure launched at the programme, the Goa Ocean Coast Swim 2026 is scheduled from November 10 to November 24, 2026. The 14-day initiative proposes to cover 1,260 kilometres along the Goa coast.
A five-member team, including para swimmers, will take part in the expedition under the leadership of Queeni Victoriya. The campaign has been conceived around the message “Say No to Drugs, Donate Organ and Gift a Life.”
The initiative aims to use the visibility of an endurance sporting challenge to create awareness among young people about the dangers of drug abuse while simultaneously encouraging greater understanding of organ donation and its potential to save lives.
Para Swimmers Bring Inclusion to the Fore
A notable feature of the expedition is the participation of para swimmers. Organisers see their involvement as an important statement on inclusion, equal opportunity and the ability of sport to transcend physical barriers.
The campaign’s theme — “Courage • Endurance • Inclusion • Unite Beyond Limits” — reflects that broader objective.
The proposed swim is not being positioned merely as an attempt to achieve an endurance milestone. It is also intended to demonstrate how sport can be used to carry messages of social responsibility to a wider audience.
AIPC Members Join Brochure Launch
The brochure unveiling at ITC Kakatiya witnessed participation from AIPC representatives across different organisational levels. Navika Harshi National head and Shashank Pasupuleti Telangana State Head Msme, along with State Heads, Deputy Heads, District Heads and other AIPC members, were present as the initiative was formally presented.
The event concluded with encouragement to Queeni Victoriya gandam and her team ahead of their November mission. Praveen Chakravarty’s assurance of facilitating engagement with the Tamil Nadu Sports Ministry and extending support to deserving sports initiatives across the country added further momentum to the campaign.
With a 1,260-km target, 14 days of open-water endurance and a five-member team that includes para swimmers, the Goa Ocean Coast Swim 2026 seeks to carry its message beyond sporting achievement — towards a drug-free society, greater awareness of organ donation and a more inclusive sporting culture.
