Archana Sankara Narayanan Breaks Two National Freediving Records at Manado Apnea 2025

By: WE Staff | Friday, 8 August 2025

• India's leading freediver Archana Sankara Narayanan broke two national records at the Manado Apnea event in Indonesia (August 1–3, 2025)
• Reached a depth of 38 metres in Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB) and reached 40 metres in Constant Weight (CWT), creating a new national record
• Was the first Indian female to break the 40-metre barrier in a competitive freedive competition

India's best freediver, Archana Sankara Narayanan, has again made her name in the history books with two new national records in Manado Apnea competition in Indonesia, held between August 1 and 3.

In competition, Archana performed a dive of 38 metres in Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB) and a never previously attempted 40 metres in Constant Weight (CWT) — becoming the first Indian female to break the 40-metre barrier in a competitive freediving event. These records make her a remarkable 11-time national freediving record holder, becoming India's deepest female freediver.

The Manado competition was Archana's third depth event of the year and fifth ever. Celebrating the milestone, she said, "Crossing 40 metres is more than a personal achievement — it signals new possibilities for Indian women in the sport."

Her reach goes beyond competition. Archana was just selected India's first Molchanovs ambassador, aligning with the world leader in freediving education and equipment. She also became the first Indian AIDA-certified judge and will be officiating in an official capacity at the Tulamben Pool Games at Bali on August 9 to 10.

In appreciation of her pioneering contribution to sport and leadership, Archana was awarded the GP Birla Fellowship for Women Leaders, an award recognizing Indian change-makers.

A former in-house lawyer, Archana had intensely trained in Amed, Bali, in the weeks leading up to the competition, and was reunited with her first coach Shubham Pandey, who had introduced her to the sport two years ago. She credits her success to a strong support network consisting of Australian freediver Brennan Hatton, coaches Sergei Busargin, Kaizen Freediving, Sophie from SuperHome, and the Apnea Bali team.

Archana was handpicked by national record holder Luciana to be an AIDA judge — first in India. "It's a privilege to serve my country in this capacity," she said.

With her increasing list of achievements in sport and leadership, Archana is not only breaking records but also working hard to contribute to the development of India's freediving community — exploring the sport to new depths, one breath hold at a time.