NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Tejasvi Surya, the young BJP MP from Bengaluru South, for his accomplishment in completing the Ironman 70.3 Goa triathlon. Surya became the first Indian Parliamentarian to participate in the rigorous event, which consists of a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run.
“Commendable feat!” PM Modi expressed on social media platform X, adding, “I am sure this will inspire many more youngsters to pursue fitness-related activities.”
Surya’s participation was part of the fourth edition of Ironman 70.3 Goa, held at Miramar Beach. The event, flagged off by Goa’s minister Govind Gawde, featured over 120 competitors from government services and drew athletes from over 57 countries, with 60% of participants being first-timers. Former tennis player Leander Paes also attended, supporting the participants in the gruelling endurance race.
This year, Surya competed solo, a step up from his participation in the relay category in 2022 where he completed the cycling segment. Reflecting on his achievement, Surya expressed pride in finishing the challenge, which he dedicated to Indian athletes. “The Ironman 70.3 Goa has become a premier event for fitness enthusiasts in India and worldwide. It is the ultimate test of one’s endurance and physical and mental fitness,” he stated.
Surya also credited the Fit India initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2019 for motivating him to pursue the Ironman challenge. “The #FitIndia movement helped me reflect on my fitness goals,” he shared, emphasizing that fitness enhances discipline, confidence, and overall success.
In a message to the youth, Surya urged, “As a finisher in this daunting challenge, I can attest to the young folks that fitness goals really push your boundaries and make you a better individual. I appeal to all to join this journey and make progress.”
The Ironman 70.3 Goa and Surya’s commitment to the event are seen as aligning with the Modi government’s broader mission to foster a more active lifestyle in India, inspiring GenNext to prioritize health and fitness.