Celebrated figure in aquatic world, Avi was role model for his peers

By Harsh Thakor*

The Indian swimming community mourns the profound loss of Avinash Sarang, a celebrated figure in the aquatic world. Known affectionately as Avi, he passed away at the age of 80 on August 26, 2024. His remarkable legacy ensures a permanent place for him in the history of Indian swimming. It's difficult to find a swimmer who could match his achievements; he was truly the ultimate role model in the sport.

Avi uniquely distinguished himself as a National Champion in pool events—specifically the 100 meters butterfly and middle-distance freestyle—while also excelling in water polo and open water swimming, reaching unprecedented levels of all-around excellence. He was undeniably one of the most vibrant and enduring personalities in Indian swimming.

Remarkably, Avi swam across the English Channel on August 28, 1974 -- the 50th anniversary of that extraordinary feat. His brothers, Anand and Ashish, along with his nephew Sahil, had intended to celebrate this milestone with him at the hospital, before fate cruelly intervened and took him from us.

Avi had been facing health challenges in recent months that worsened rapidly, leading to his admission to the Shanti Avedna Hospice for palliative care in Bandra West. Although he appeared frail, he maintained his signature buoyancy, engaging happily with colleagues Pradeep and Smita Digvikar and inquiring about the water polo scene in Mumbai.

Visits from his brothers and nephew brought him joy, especially when he learned of the Central Railway’s victory in the prestigious Inter Railway Water Polo Tournament held just last July at the new swimming pool at Mahalaxmi Stadium.

Swimming career

Avi served as a role model for his peers when he and his brothers began their swimming journey at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Swimming Pool (MGMO). His accomplishments as a swimmer, water polo player, and open water champion earned him a household name in Indian swimming.

The accomplishments of the Sarang brothers sparked inspiration for future generations, making the walls of MGMO adorned with cherished photographs of Avi alongside fellow legends like Dorothy, Visu Harmalkar, and Freny Sehna—a reminder of their incredible legacy and an emotional nod to the past for former swimmers. In the 1960s, the Sarang brothers, led by Avi and supported by Anand and Ashish, dominated their respective age groups in competitions as well as in water polo.

Avi made history as first Indian to swim English Channel in remarkable 16 hours and 15 minutes on a day when sea was particularly turbulent

Their training took place at the MGMO Swimming Pool in Shivaji Park, the first municipal swimming pool in Mumbai, where they were rigorously taught by Coach Arvind Sathe. A notable star in the Central Railway water polo team, Avi played a pivotal role in winning the prestigious Inter Railway Tournament for the first time in 1967, breaking the stronghold that the Eastern and South Eastern Railways had on the tournament.

Avi made history as the first Indian to swim the English Channel in a remarkable 16 hours and 15 minutes on a day when the sea was particularly turbulent. His resilience and extensive experience in open water proved vital in overcoming this formidable challenge.

He rose to prominence by conquering rivals and dominated the swimming and water polo scenes, winning several national titles and playing a significant part in the Indian water polo team that achieved a Silver Medal at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games—the best overseas performance by an Indian team to date.

He was joined by fellow state stalwarts Samir Kapadia and Bharat Merchant on that outstanding team. Avi's contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Shiv Chhatrapati Award—being the first swimmer to earn this accolade—and the Arjuna Award from the Government of India.

Post-swimming years

In later life, Avi transitioned from competitive swimming to become a top-class water polo referee and instructor. He served the Greater Mumbai Amateur Aquatic Association (GMAAA) as an office bearer, first as Vice President and later as Honorary General Secretary. His coaching acumen shone through when he led the Maharashtra Women’s Water Polo Team to a Gold Medal and coached numerous state and national champions at the MIG Club.

His exceptional contributions were acknowledged with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the GMAAA and the Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar. Avi began his professional journey with Central Railway before moving to Air India, where he retired as a senior functionary in the cabin crew. The Indian swimming community grieves the loss of this legend, Avinash Sarang.

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*Freelance journalist who swam the English Channel in 1988. He thanks colleagues Pradeep Digvikar and Zarir Baliwalla for their insights

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