Sugaru Channel is known as ‘Nightmare Channel’ in the open water swimming world. Extremely cold water, strong currents, sudden weather changes—all together, the success rate in this channel is only 35 percent. An even bigger threat is the threat of earthquakes and tsunamis, for which no advance warning is available. In comparison, the success rate of the English channel is about 75 percent. So far no Indian woman has been able to cross this Sugaru channel. Saini has already got a swimming slot from Sugaru Federation. He will have to enter the water between July 3 and 7 if the weather is favorable.

After crossing the Channel of Gibraltar in April 2025, Saini did her last practice until June. Then had to stay out of the water for about seven months. Now the preparations for the comeback have started again. But that path is not easy either. As there is no suitable swimming pool in Kalna, he has to shift to Rishra Swimming Club. He is giving special emphasis on pool training this year as more sprint swimming is required in Sugaru Channel. Also there are plans to start practice at Puri Samudra for open water practice.

Not only physical preparation but also mental preparation is equally important. The long hiatus has resulted in weight gain, multiple minor injuries to be dealt with anew. So gym, physiotherapy and meditation are back to regular routine. For Saini, Sugaru is not just a channel, but a struggle to prove herself anew.

Behind this success lies a story of hard sacrifice. Father had to mortgage the house while crossing the English Channel. That debt burden has not yet been fully repaid. Father is currently retired. Saini himself used to work in a private bank, but had to quit that job for swimming. Now he has no regular income. English Channel cost around Rs 13 lakh, Catalina Rs 13-14 lakh. Although some help was received from the youth department of the state government, it was not sufficient.

The total budget for Japan’s Sugaru Channel expedition is around 20 lakh rupees. Only 2 lakh rupees have been collected so far. That is, collecting the remaining 18 lakh rupees is now the biggest challenge. Recently, the state minister Swapan Debnath extended a hand of help by giving one lakh rupees. Also some individuals and organizations stand by. But Saini makes it clear that more cooperation is needed. His appeal, if various CSR organizations and common people give even a little help, then this impossible dream can be possible. With tears in her eyes, Saini said, “I have not come this far to lose. Sugaru I will cross. That day, not only mine, but ‘India’ will be written next to my name.”