Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013

India’s oldest open sea swimming competition is back with a view to promote swimming as a sport and encourage more participation. 

Shaina N.C, Executive World Chairperson, GIANTS International at the Press Conference of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013

India’s oldest and most popular event on the ocean swim calendar – Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 – is all set for its second edition on February 10, 2013. “Square Off Mumbai Swimathon 2013” – Sunk Rock to Gateway of India, is promoted by Square Off under the auspices of the Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association (MSAAA).  The race attempts to promote swimming as a sport and encourage more participants to take up open sea swimming as their sport of choice. The 2nd edition introduces a new category “Sub-Juniors – 10 to 12 yrs” to give a platform to young swimmers and ensure that they have enough experience and aim to compete in the 2020 Olympics.

This open sea swimming race will start from Sunk Rock, popularly known as ‘Light House’ to Gateway of India, which will cover distance of about 5 kms (3.5 nautical miles).  Last year, the race attracted around 500 participants from all over Maharashtra across 14 categories including two physically challenged groups.  With the historic Gateway of India and majestic Taj Mahal hotel in the backdrop, the Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 aims to add to the charm, joy and pride of Mumbai.

The first race of this prestigious event was conducted from Sunk Rock Light House to Gateway of India on Sunday, 14th December 1947. The winners of this race were Pam Ballantyna (Women) (55 mins 23.5 secs) and Isaac Mansoor (Maccabi club) (Men) (45 mins)

This year Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 is supported by GIANTS International, a leading NGO with a view to promote “Save the Girl Child “campaign. The race day will witness some eminent personalities from the society like Nana Chaudasma, former sheriff of Mumbai and world chairman of GIANTS International, Shaina N.C, Executive World Chairperson, GIANTS International and a leading fashion designer and the new youth sensation – talented actor Varun Dhawan will be the chief guest for the competition.

Olympian Virdhawal Khade and Pooja Banerjee, Fame of Roadies 8 interact with the physically challenged participants of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013

Around 600 swimmers in 14 categories will participate in the competition. A 2 km special category race for the age group of 10-12 years will be introduced this year along with two separate categories for physically-challenged swimmers.

 “It feels great to be associated with major open sea swimming competition like “Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013.” I’m very thankful to Square Off for taking this initiative and give Indian swimmers a perfect platform to showcase their talent. GIANTS International supports various national projects and we would like this competition to focus the ‘Girl Child’ as this competition has good participation of girl swimmers,” said Shaina N.C. Shaina is confident that open sea swimming is India’s best chance to earn a medal in upcoming Olympics.

Rajesh Gupta, Co-Founder Square Off felicitating Pooja Banerjee, Fame of Roadies 8 at the Press Conference of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013

 The star attraction of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 will be to watch top swimmers in action like Padmashree and Arjun Awardee, Taranath Shenoy, National Champion Kunal Hendre and first ever Arjun awardee in swimming Avinash Sarang, to name few.

Open water swimming is the newest sport included in 2008 Beijing Olympics. Open water swimming presents a unique set of challenges to swimmers.  There are no lane lines, walls, or starting blocks to dictate what it takes to win.  The unpredictable natural conditions often play a deciding role in determining the winner of an Open water swimming race. “We are pleased to host this competition in association with the expertise of Square Off and look forward for Maharashtra government’s continued support to encourage this sport, which can surely add a medal to India in Olympics,” said Kishor Vaidya, secretary, MSAAA.

 Sachin Girishkumar, Co-Founder Square Off, said, “We at Square Off believe that the Indian youth have exceptional potential which can be leveraged by giving the right platform. We are proud to promote open sea swimming in India in association with MSAAA and Swimming Federation of India. It is the newest Olympic sport and given the right attention, we are confident that India can excel at the international level.”

About Square Off:

Square Off, a leading Sports Management, Consulting and a Training Company, formed with a vision to professionalize the delivery of sports in India and focus on value creation by adopting an equal emphasis approach towards all stake-holders, Square Off hopes to create a paradigm shift and act as agents to encourage youth to take up sports in a big way. Square Off intends to develop a sporting culture among the children of India and nurture students’ right from formative age thereby building career opportunities in sports.

Authentic Kashmir cuisines now in for Thanekars

Poush Restaurants brings original Kashmiri art work, ambiance, music and cuisines

 Kashmir is famous for its scenic beauty its flora and fauna. Authentic Kashmiri food also has been an attraction for tourist in Kashmir. Mouth watering dishes prepared by Kashmiri chefs, with a feel of Shikara and replica of a house boat which is the pride of Kashmir has been brought to Thane. The “Poush - Essence of Kashmir” restaurant celebrated its grand opening in the BiG Shopping Centre today evening. Thane Municipal Corporation Mayor Harishchandra Patil inaugurated this lavish fine dining restaurant.

Poush means a beautiful flower in Kashmiri and the Saffron flower represents the delicacy, the beauty and the freshness of the valley. At Poush, their vision is to bring the very essence of Kashmir by recreating the feel and the magic of this paradise on earth through Kashmir’s food and ambience. The name “Poush – the Essence of Kashmir” and their logo “The Saffron flower” is reflective of their commitment to bring the experience of Kashmir to the people of Thane.
To get a real feel of Kashmir, the architects and the construction workers were brought down to Thane from Kashmir. The specially designed interior, typical Kashmiri seating arrangement, a house boat experience for dining would be a unique opportunity for Thanekars. A house boat is symbolic representation of Kashmir’s culture; its replica is available for having a different dining experience. The Master Brain behind this concept is Mr Om Takoo, the Chief Managing Director of “Poush” restaurants. He says, “Follow your passions, believe in karma, and you won’t have to chase your dreams, they will come to you. This was my father’s belief too and I inherited it from my father fondly known as Papaji, late Shri Pran Nath Takoo, a Man of wisdom”
This 3000 sq. ft. fine-dining restaurant can easily accomodate 150 people, with special arrangements made for families and couples. Apart from Kashmiri food, delicacies from the North-West frontier are also served here. Spices, dry fruits and Qahwa leaves have been brought from Kashmir and cooked under the supervision of Kashmiri Chef, Viren, who has more than 12 years of experience in cooking Kashmiri food.

The Restaurant serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies like Gosh taba, Rista, Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Qahwa, Phirini, Mutton Yakhni and Chicken Yakhni etc. Qahwa is very famous in Kashmir and this exotic herbal tea is made with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and almonds and is generally served with sugar or honey as per choice.