Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 4: Sawan Nagpal, a passionate triathlete from Jammu & Kashmir, has completed the world-renowned Ironman Tallinn in Estonia, clocking an impressive time of 11 hours, 48 minutes and 18 seconds — well under the 17-hour cutoff.
The Ironman triathlon is considered one of the toughest single-day endurance events, comprising a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle and 42.2 km marathon run. Sawan was not only the sole participant from J&K, but also finished as the second Indian among 80 Indian athletes across full and half Ironman categories.
His journey to the Ironman start line was not easy. After facing multiple visa rejections, his participation was confirmed just two weeks before the event. Despite these hurdles, Sawan traveled solo to Estonia to represent India.
“I couldn’t complete last year’s Ironman due to a bike crash. This year was even more challenging as I had to go alone without my Iron Tribe teammates.”Sawan Nagpal said.
Trained in J&K’s hot and humid climate, he had to battle cold, windy conditions in Tallinn — even enduring body shivering during the marathon leg. Recalling his struggle, he said, “Ironman is not just a physical challenge — it’s a mental battle that demands months of discipline and sacrifice.”
A founding member of Iron Tribe J&K, the region’s only triathlon club, Sawan has helped to build a foundation for endurance sports in the region. The club now boasts six full Ironman and six half Ironman finished by its athletes.
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