 Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 5: The Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone, Anand Jain IPS, felicitated Aman Gupta, Archit Puri, Sawan Nagpal, and Sukaran Raj Sharma from Jammu, who are preparing for the ultimate test of endurance: Ironman Vitoria, Spain. This gruelling single-day event, renowned as the toughest in the world, combines swimming, cycling, and running, pushing athletes to their limits. They are the only athletes from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to have completed a triathlon and have also formed the registered triathlon club, Iron Tribe Sports Club.
The Ironman triathlon, known for its extreme demands on physical and mental stamina, consists of three main segments:
‘8 km Swim' Participants will brave open water to complete the swim leg, often facing varying weather conditions and strong currents.
‘180 km' Bicycle Ride; Cyclists will pedal through scenic yet challenging landscapes, battling fatigue, elevation changes, and maintaining high energy levels.
‘42.2 km Run'; The marathon run awaits, demanding immense mental fortitude and physical resilience as participants push their limits to cross the finish line.
What sets the Ironman triathlon apart is that each sport must be completed back-to-back, with a total finish time of 15 hours and 50 minutes. The completion of these gruelling events in sequence is a testament to the athletes' dedication, discipline, and determination.
For the past four months, Aman Gupta, Archit Puri, Sawan Nagpal, and Sukaran Raj Sharma have undergone rigorous training at the Police GYM. Their preparation has included not just physical training but also mental conditioning, nutritional planning, and recovery strategies. They have benefited from top-notch coaching and the state-of-the-art facilities provided by the Police department.
During the felicitation ceremony, ADGP Jammu, Anand Jain IPS, praised the athletes for their unwavering commitment and relentless hard work. He expressed immense pride in their achievements and lauded their spirit of perseverance and determination. "These young athletes are not only making Jammu and Kashmir proud but also setting an example of dedication and resilience for others to follow," he said.
The athletes themselves expressed their readiness and enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge. "We're ready," said Aman Gupta, Archit Puri, Sawan Nagpal, and Sukaran Raj Sharma. "Ironman isn't just a race; it's a journey of self-discovery and determination. Each of us has pushed our limits, learned about our strengths and weaknesses, and grown as individuals and as a team."
Their journey has been fuelled by a strong sense of camaraderie, passion for the sport, and the unwavering support of their families, friends, and the community. The Iron Tribe Sports Club, which they formed, has been a significant source of motivation and inspiration for them. The club aims to promote triathlon and endurance sports in the region, encouraging more young athletes to take up such challenges.
Their participation in Ironman Vitoria, Spain, not only highlights their personal achievements but also brings recognition to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on an international stage.
ADGP Jammu concluded the ceremony by encouraging the athletes to give their best and make the Union Territory proud. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering a spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and excellence among the youth. May they return victorious and continue to inspire future generations; he wished |
