Archana Sankara Narayanan Takes Indian Freediving to Historic Depths with 11 National Records

Archana Sankara Narayanan, India’s pioneering freediver, has redefined national boundaries in depth diving by setting two more national records at the Manado Apnea competition, held from August 1–3.

Her dives—38m in Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB) and 40m in Constant Weight (CWT)—make her the first Indian woman to surpass the 40-meter mark in competitive freediving.

With this, Archana now holds 11 national records, becoming India’s most decorated female freediver. Beyond her depth achievements, she’s shaping India’s future in the sport by becoming the country’s first AIDA-certified judge, set to officiate at the Tulamben Pool Games on August 9–10. She also marks a global milestone as India’s first Molchanovs brand ambassador, linking Indian freediving to the world’s leading education and gear platform.

Archana was recently honoured with the prestigious GP Birla Fellowship for Women Leaders, recognising her role in building India’s freediving ecosystem and inspiring women through sport. Her journey from a corporate lawyer to India’s deepest freediver is nothing short of transformational.

She credits her evolution to her coaches—Shubham Pandey, Sergei Busargin, and the Kaizen Freediving and Apnea Bali teams—for technical and emotional support, alongside international encouragement from peers like Brennan Hatton. Archana’s success also stems from a deep belief in shared growth and representation, proving that each record isn’t just hers—but India’s.

“I dive not to chase numbers, but to build a legacy others can follow,” Archana shared.

As India witnesses its underwater revolution, Archana remains its deepest ambassador—breathing life into a sport and leadership space yet unexplored.