New Delhi: BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya, on Sunday became the first parliamentarian to complete the Ironman 70.3 triathlon challenge held in Goa. The event involved a gruelling 1.9km swim, 90km cycling, and a 21.1km run, pushing participants to cover a total of 113 km (70.3 miles).
Surya credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India’ initiative as his inspiration to take on the challenge. In a post on social media platform X, he said, “As a young nation chasing big ambitions, we must nurture our physical fitness and become a more healthier nation. An endeavour to become fit also makes you more disciplined and confident, which improves chances of your success in any venture that you undertake.”
The Ironman 70.3 Goa, known for attracting athletes from over 50 countries, has become a premier event for athletes and fitness enthusiasts in India and across the World.
The challenge involves a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycling segment, and a 21.1km run, covering a total distance of… pic.twitter.com/jUDpjKccwU
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 27, 2024
Four-month-long training journey
The MP also highlighted how his four-month-long training journey had brought both physical and mental resilience, adding that he hopes his feat will encourage young Indians to pursue fitness goals.
PM Modi himself praised Surya’s accomplishment, describing it as a “commendable feat” that would inspire more youth to adopt fitness-oriented lifestyles. In a congratulatory post, the Prime Minister wrote, “I am sure this will inspire many more youngsters to pursue fitness-related activities.”
The Ironman 70.3 Goa event, hosted along the scenic Miramar Beach, marked its fourth edition this year and saw participation from over 1,200 athletes from 57 countries. Government service representatives, including over 120 officials from state and central services, were part of the participant list, with women making up about 15 per cent. According to reports, around 60 per cent of participants were first-time competitors.
‘This challenge has pushed me to new limits’
In the 2022 relay event, Surya had completed the 90km cycling segment, which marked his entry into the Ironman arena. This year, however, he completed the entire event, clocking a time of 8 hours, 27 minutes, and 32 seconds. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “This challenge has pushed me to new limits, and I encourage all to embrace fitness, as it truly transforms you into a better version of yourself.”
The men’s title at the Ironman 70.3 Goa was claimed by Bishworjit Saikhom of the Indian Army, completing the race with a personal best time of 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 4 seconds. In the women’s category, Egypt’s Yasmin Halawa led the way, finishing in 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 50 seconds.
