Indian woman breaks British open water swimmer's world record in chilling Antarctic Ocean

Indian open water swimmer Bhakti Sharma has set a world record after she swam 1.4 miles in the chilling waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

The 25-year-old is now the youngest person in the world to have achieved the feat.

Sharma broke the record set by British swimming champion Lewis Pugh and American swimmer Lynne Cox, the Press Trust of India said.

The agency quoted the chief executive officer of Hindustan Zinc as saying: "We are very proud of Bhakti Sharma for this rare achievement. Whole country is proud of her and particularly girls who would be seeing her as inspiration to join swimming. Her achievement only proves that given the right support and opportunities India can produce many such talents."

Meanwhile, the country's prime minister and president congratulated the swimmer on her achievement.

President Pranab Mukherjee said, "I am delighted to know that you have set a world record by swimming 1.4 miles in 52 minutes in the Antarctic Ocean, becoming the world's youngest and the first Asian girl to achieve this feat. Your success is a matter of great pride for all Indians, especially our youth. The whole country joins your family and you in celebrating this impressive achievement. I extend my congratulations and wish you continued success in all future endeavours".

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We are all very very proud of Bhakti Sharma for her accomplishments! My best wishes to her."

The open water swimming champion Bhakti Sharma has now conquered all of the five oceans in the world and was earlier honoured with the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2010.