Salam Pappinissery fulfilled the wish of Asim Velimanna, who swam across the Periyar.

Sharjah: Asim Velimanna, the pride of Malayalis who swam against the current of Periyar, was given a grand welcome at the Sharjah airport. He arrived in the UAE at the invitation of Salam Pappinissery, a well-known legal representative and social activist in the UAE.

Fifteen-year-old Asim surprised Malayalis by swimming the wide section of Periyar from Advaidaashramam Kadavu to Shivaratri Manappuram in 61 minutes. He took the initiative to bring Asim to the UAE after watching a video of Asim sharing his desire to see Dubai in an interview with Malayalam film actor Guinness Pakru recently. Asim was accompanied by his father Mohammed Shaheed Yamani and adventure swimming coach Saji Valassery. Salam Pappinissery explained that programs have been organized in various associations in the UAE in the coming days, including Asim's swimming.