DEMONSTRATING grit, endurance, and unshakeable determination, Dr Sunita Dhote, professor at the School of Management, Ramdeobaba University, clinched the gold medal at the prestigious Half Oceanman 2025 held in the challenging waters of Krabi, Thailand. Participating in the 50–59 age category in female section, Dr Dhote only completed the course and emerged victorious in her category, making the nation proud. The open water swimming event saw extreme conditions with undercurrents, crosswinds, and jellyfish stings severely testing the mettle of even the most seasoned swimmers. According to a press release, nearly 80 per cent of participants quit mid-race owing to harsh environment.

 

Reflecting on the gruelling race, Dr Dhote said, “I dedicate this win to everyone who stood by me in this journey.” This win marks yet another feather in the cap for Dr Dhote, who continues to inspire as a national athlete, a national diver, ultra cyclist, ultra marathon runner, Ironman 70.3 finisher, and now, an Oceanman category winner — proving once again that passion backed with perseverance knows no limits. She extended heartfelt gratitude to her Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajesh Pande, Director Dr Chandan Vichoray and all her colleagues at RCOEM for their constant encouragement.

 

She also acknowledged the pivotal role of her support system including her physiotherapists Dr Neena Shahu and Dr Mohammad Shoaib, her running groups Orange City Runners and Miles and Milers, and Dr Amit Samarth, who inspired her with the mantra of never give up. A special note of thanks went to Dr Rajendra Jaiswal, her mentor, guide, and lifelong motivator, as well as her swimming coaches Sanjay Batwe and Vishal Chandorkar for their guidance in the water, her husband Nitin, sons Tejas and Rajas, and brother Ganesh Kshirsagar, who she described as her pillars of strength, especially during her rigorous swim practice sessions.