https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From Cricket Fields to Marathon Tracks: The Inspiring Journey of IRS Officer N Shrikant

Shrikant's journey from a cricketing setback to becoming an ultramarathoner is a testament to his resilience in the face of injuries.Despite doctors advising surgery and warning of potential limitations, he defied medical odds through determination and alternative methods of rehabilitation . Initially starting with rehabilitation exercises, Shrikant gradually discovered his passion for walking and running and became an ultramarathoner
Indian Masterminds Stories

In the world of sports, tales of triumph over adversity are commonplace, but few are as inspiring as that of N. Shrikant, an IRS officer who defied medical odds to become an accomplished ultra-marathon runner. His journey from battling injuries on the cricket pitch to conquering marathon tracks is a testament to the power of determination and resilience.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details about his life that is no less than a roller coaster ride.

THE CRICKETER’S SETBACK

Currently posted as the Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in Goa, Mr. Shrikant’s journey to becoming a seasoned runner began with a setback during his cricketing days. Suffering multiple injuries, he found himself at a crossroads when doctors advised him to undergo surgery, warning him of the necessity for screws and rods in his leg. This dire prognosis could have spelled the end of his athletic pursuits, but Mr. Shrikant refused to accept defeat.

“I was almost ready to get the surgery done but some godsent man advised me to take another opinion. The second doctor advised something on similar lines. I ultimately found solace in an orthopaedic, a marathoner himself, who advised me to do everything that I was avoiding doing, such as sitting in pooja pose, climbing stairs, etc., and told me that only naturally would I be able to heal myself. That doctor is my guru now and his advice is my holy grail,” the officer shared with Indian Masterminds.

Determined to explore alternative avenues for recovery, he embarked upon a rigorous regimen of exercise and rehabilitation. It was a decision that would change the course of his life.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

The 2011-batch officer’s road to recovery was arduous, marked by countless hours of physical therapy and unwavering dedication. Through sheer grit and determination, he gradually rebuilt his strength and mobility, defying the initial prognosis of medical experts.

His unwavering commitment to his fitness regimen soon began to yield remarkable results, instilling in him a newfound sense of confidence and purpose.

DISCOVERING A PASSION FOR RUNNING

As Mr. Shrikant regained his strength by 2017, he discovered a newfound passion for walking and running. He began with 5 km walks and started running gradually. He enjoyed it thoroughly and soon registered for his first run in Hyderabad which was 5 kms and slowly moved to 10 kms, and further.

“I decided to take formal training for running and began preparing myself after taking professional advice. During that time also, I suffered from a lot of injuries including shin splits, knee injuries, among other things. The doctors advised me to stop running but I didn’t give up. I registered myself for 21 km run and successfully completed it. I knew in my heart that this is what I want to do in life,” shared the officer.

What began as a form of rehabilitation soon evolved into a full-fledged pursuit, as he set his sights on conquering even greater distances. He registered himself for 50 kms run next and decided to go for long runs now.

BECOMING AN ULTRA MARATHONER

The IRS officer started registering for ultra marathons and now enjoys himself. He doesn’t partakes in races but goes for long marathons and enjoys his run without feeling any burden to finish first.

“My goal is to do at least 40 km run at the age of 75. That is how I started preparing myself because I don’t want it to be something that I do only today, but want to keep doing it in the long run,” he told Indian Masterminds.

Even after suffering from Covid in September 2020, the officer finished his ultramarathon in November 2020, thus pushing his limits to its full capacity.

Today, Mr. Shrikant’s identity extends far beyond his role as an IRS officer. He has emerged as an endurance athlete, pushing his body to its limits in pursuit of new challenges. His remarkable transformation serves as an inspiration to countless others, proving that with perseverance and determination, anything is possible.

Mr. Shrikant’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. His story reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the road but merely a detour on the path to success. Through his resilience and perseverance, he has demonstrated the transformative power of sport, inspiring others to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Bihar Elections 2025: CEC Gyanesh Kumar Addresses 5 Key Issues - SIR, Fake Voting, Freebies & More
BSNL
BSNL Surpasses Airtel in Mobile Subscriber Growth After Nearly a Year; Jio Leads with 19 Lakh Additions in August
NTPC_Tapovan Donates_Ambulance_
NTPC Hands Over ₹30 Lakh Advanced Life Support Ambulance to Chamoli District Hospital to Boost Emergency Healthcare
NTPC_Barauni_signed_agreement_
NTPC Barauni to Install 89 High-Mast Lights Across Begusarai to Boost Safety and Community Development
BPCL_bags_Excellence_Awards_
BPCL Wins Top Honours for City Gas Distribution and Customer Service at 19th PNGRB Foundation Day
Allahabad high court
SC Collegium Approves Appointment of Vinai Kumar Dwivedi as Judge of Allahabad High Court
JK Cement Health Camp Panna
Free Health Camp Organised for Forest Personnel During Wildlife Week 2025 by South Panna Forest Division
REC Mobile Medical Units
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Flags Off REC’s ₹5.71 Cr Mobile Medical Units to Boost Rural Healthcare in Rajasthan
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IDES Saquib Alam
UPSC Strategy & Mindset Tips from IDES Officer Saquib Alam | Video Interview 
Dr G K Goswami IPS
Everything you ever wanted to know about e-murder, e-dacoity and data safety
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Ravikant Meena on IFS Preparation, Optionals, and Life in Forest Service
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IDES Saquib Alam
UPSC Strategy & Mindset Tips from IDES Officer Saquib Alam | Video Interview 
Discover how IDES officer Saquib Alam left his corporate job at Mahindra, overcame six UPSC attempts,...
Utkarsh Ujjwal IAS
IAS Utkarsh Ujjwal Shares Key Advice for UPSC Aspirants: Work Ethic, Failure, and Focus
Read the inspiring journey of IAS Utkarsh Ujjwal, 2023 batch, Gujarat cadre. From IIT Guwahati to clearing...
Sagar Datta Majumdar UPSC CSE 2024 AIR 317
“Don’t get trapped in the vicious cycle of self-doubt,” says UPSC Achiever Sagar Datta Majumdar
Discover how Sagar Datta Majumdar from Agartala, Tripura, cracked UPSC CSE 2024 with All India Rank 317....
Social Media
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Bihar Elections 2025: CEC Gyanesh Kumar Addresses 5 Key Issues - SIR, Fake Voting, Freebies & More
BSNL
BSNL Surpasses Airtel in Mobile Subscriber Growth After Nearly a Year; Jio Leads with 19 Lakh Additions in August
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IDES Saquib Alam
Dr G K Goswami IPS
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT