Aligarh: Afrin Zabi, a B.P.Ed. student at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has made history. She is the first AMU student to swim across the English Channel.
On July 29, 2025, Afrin completed the solo one-way swim from Dover (UK) to Cap Gris-Nez (France). She swam 34 kilometers in 13 hours and 13 minutes. She started at 3:45 AM (London time) and reached France holding the Indian tricolor.
The water was icy at 11°C, and the currents were strong. But Afrin persevered.
Afrin hails from Paschim Medinipur in West Bengal. She has participated in many All-India Inter-University Aquatic Championships for Vidyasagar University. She has represented West Bengal at national levels. Her past swims include 13 km, 21 km, and 24 km distances.
She also took second place among girls in the world’s longest swim — an 81 km marathon in the Ganges.
Afrin’s achievement is a historic moment for AMU. Her brother, Adil Mohammad, a PhD student in Chemistry at AMU, and sister-in-law, Rizwana Yasmeen, a Gold Medalist in Nanotechnology from AMU, stood by her side.
Holding the national flag with them, Afrin said, “I am happy to bring joy to my nation, university, and family. They always support my dreams.”
AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Naima Khatoon, called it “a moment of collective celebration and pride.” She said Afrin’s feat would inspire many future students.
Prof. Ikram Husain, Dean of Social Sciences and Chairperson of Physical Education, praised Afrin’s accomplishment. He said her time at AMU will lead to more success.
Prof. Vibha Sharma, Member Incharge of the Public Relations Office, said Afrin and her brother are still in the UK. She spoke to them by phone and congratulated them on behalf of the AMU community.
Afrin Zabi’s swim has brought global recognition. Her story is one of courage, determination, and inspiration.
