Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya achieved a significant feat on Sunday as the first member of parliament to complete an Ironman triathlon. Surya, who was previously part of a relay team in 2022 where he completed the 90 km cycling segment, finished the entire distance this year, clocking a time of 8 hours, 27 minutes, and 32 seconds.
BJP Yuva Morcha President has successfully completed the Ironman 70.3 challenge in Goa. The triathlon challenge involved a 1.9km swim, a 90km cycling segment, and a 21.1km run, covering a total distance of 113km.
Tejasvi Surya’s attempt drew praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Commendable feat! I am sure this will inspire many more youngsters to pursue fitness related activities,” PM Modi said in an X post.
Surya credited Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Fit India’ initiative as an inspiration that led him to take up the challenge. “The inspiration itself goes back to the Fit India initiative kickstarted by PM Narendra Modi, which helped me reflect on my fitness goals,” the BJP MP said in an X post.
“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 Fit India movement goes a long way in increasing this awareness and bringing more people on to fitness routines, that’s so essential for our nation!” he added.
Surya dedicated this achievement to India’s athletes and sportspersons, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. “The Ironman 70.3 Goa, known for attracting athletes from over 50 countries, is the ultimate test of endurance and fitness,” he said after the race.
The BJP MP said he trained rigorously over the last four months to improve his fitness. “Over the last 4 months, I have trained rigorously to improve my fitness and as a result, am happy to share that I have completed this challenge!” he said.
Around 1,200 participants took part, completing the swim, bike, and run stages along Goa’s scenic Miramar Beach.The men’s title was claimed by former Ironman champion, Bishworjit Saikhom of the Indian Army, who returned to his winning form with a personal best time of 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 4 seconds. In the women’s category, Egypt’s Yasmin Halawa took the top spot, finishing at 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 50 seconds.
