Tejasvi Surya sets record as 1st parliamentarian to finish IRONMAN 70.3 Goa

Panaji: Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has blazed his way into history, becoming the first Indian Parliamentarian to complete the IRONMAN 70.3 Goa—a punishing triathlon featuring a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run. The fourth edition of the IRONMAN 70.3, flagged off at Miramar Beach by Goa Minister Govind Gawde, saw Surya take on the challenge in a solo run against national and international athletes, putting his grit and endurance to the ultimate test.

Surya’s triumph adds him to a roster of more than 1,200 triathletes from over 75 cities and towns, with athletes hailing from both Central and State Government services and a growing number of women (12-15% this year). Notably, 60% of participants were first-timers, a statistic that highlights the expanding popularity of the triathlon culture in India.

Teammates weren’t new to Surya—last year, he competed as part of a relay team and tackled the cycling segment. But this time, it was all or nothing. As he crossed the finish line, Surya dedicated his achievement to India’s athletes, honoring their tireless commitment to bring pride to the nation.

“The IRONMAN 70.3 Goa stands as a prime fitness event in India, drawing athletes from more than 50 countries,” Surya said after the race. “It’s a fierce test of endurance, mental grit, and physical strength. I’ve trained hard for four months to be here, and completing it is truly rewarding!” He credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #FitIndia initiative as his motivation for taking on the rigorous challenge. “Our nation is young and ambitious; physical fitness should be a fundamental pursuit for us all,” Surya added.

The #FitIndia Movement, launched by PM Modi in 2019, aims to make fitness a part of the country’s daily fabric. According to Surya, fitness isn’t just about health; it builds discipline, resilience, and confidence—traits that drive success. He urged India’s youth to adopt a fitness routine, sharing, “Fitness challenges push you beyond your limits and make you a stronger person.”

 

(with inputs from IANS)