Mumbai's Adyut Dobhal Sets National Freediving Record With 51-Metre Dive

Mumbai-based freediver Adyut Dobhal, just 21 years old, has achieved a historic feat by breaking India's national freediving record. On August 2, Dobhal completed a 51-metre dive in Cebu, Philippines, leaving both disbelief and relief in its wake after a month of rigorous practice. The dive took approximately two minutes and 40 seconds, during which Dobhal held his breath throughout.

Dobhal emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, as pressure at great depths can compress the lungs and cause injury if a diver loses control. He explained, "Breathing is the most natural function one has. And suppressing that function to be able to hold your breath for that long, you have to be very calm." The record was achieved in a discipline known as "free motion," where a rope assists the diver in descending from the surface to the target depth.

However, Dobhal's performance was further challenged by strong currents, which added about 40 seconds to his dive. Despite the challenges, the diver admitted that nerves crept in as he began his descent. He explained, "I couldn't believe I broke the national record for at least five to 10 minutes. And then there was this relief all over me that I've finally done it."

Dobhal credits his preparation and mental techniques, such as mindfulness and attention deconcentration, for his success. He described these methods as crucial in keeping his mind clear and conserving oxygen underwater. His 51-metre dive broke the joint record previously held by Bux Khurana and Shubham Pandey, two respected freedivers Dobhal described as "legends in the community."

This achievement marks the first national record in India since the launch of AIDA India, a freediving organization. Dobhal believes that Indian freedivers' performances on foreign stages can inspire more people in the country to take up the sport. With India set to host its first freediving competition in November 2023, Dobhal sees optimism for the sport's future in the country. "It can be the start to something very beautiful right here," he said.

Currently studying, Dobhal is also a boxer and mountaineer. He combines physical training with meditation to train his mind and body. As for his next goal, Dobhal aspires to surpass his recent record, aiming to dive even deeper, possibly crossing 60 or 70 metres. The 51-metre dive, he notes, is only the beginning of his journey in freediving.