Bhonpuram Khabari, Rudrapur: In a remarkable feat of endurance and strength, Head Constable Firoz Lakra of the 15 Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) emerged as the Ironman of the North Zone NDRF. The Ironman Triathlon, known as one of the world’s toughest one-day sporting events, comprises a 3.9 km swim, a 180.2 km bicycle ride, and a marathon 42.2 km run, all completed in that order, covering a total distance of 226.3 km. This gruelling competition is organized annually by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) in Goa.
Sudesh Kumar Drall, Commandant of the 15th Battalion NDRF, said, “The NDRF, recognizing the importance of maintaining high fitness standards for its troops, has taken the initiative to participate in the upcoming Ironman Triathlon in Goa. The selection process for the fittest rescuers is currently underway within the NDRF organization. To prepare for this challenge, a half Ironman Triathlon was recently held at the Gadarpur-based 15 Battalion, where rescuers from the Bhatinda, Ludhiana, and Kangra Battalions showcased their mettle in the hot and humid weather conditions”.
The event kickstarted on Monday with a 1.9 km long swimming leg at the Gularbhoj Reservoir, flagged off by Sudesh Kumar Drall. Following that, a 90 km cycling segment took place from Gularbhoj to Bhagat Singh Chowk Kashipur Road, culminating at the NDRF Campus. The participants then embarked on a half marathon run covering a distance of 21.5 km.
The two-day event culminated on Tuesday with Head Constable Firoz Lakra demonstrating exceptional determination and skill, completing all the events in under 7 hours. “His extraordinary achievement serves as an inspiration to his fellow rescuers and reinforces the NDRF’s commitment to maintaining peak physical fitness levels”, added Commandant Drall.
