Arati Saha is the first Indian/Asian woman swimmer to cross English Channel in 1959. She born in Calcutta, India and was initiated in swimming at the early age of four, and her talent was spotted by Sachin Nag. She was inspired by Indian swimmer Mihir Sen to try to cross the English Channel. In 1960, she became the first Indian female sportsperson to be awarded Padma Shri.
