In a remarkable display of endurance, commitment, and friendship, two IAS officers, Abhinav Gopal and Deepak Karwa, recently completed the Ironman Tallinn in August 2024, a feat that tests physical and mental limits through a combination of a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride, and a full marathon (42.2 km) in Estonia’s scenic capital.
What makes this achievement even more special is that both officers share a long history, dating back to their days at IIT Madras, where their passion for sports, particularly swimming and endurance events, began. Their journey, however, didn’t just start in the office but in the swimming pools and training fields of their college years. Together, they not only pursued their dreams of becoming civil servants but also maintained their athletic passion, proving that balancing a demanding career with fitness is achievable. In an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, both IAS Abhinav Gopal and Deepak Karwa shared their journey.
Childhood Beginnings and the Spark of Endurance
For IAS officer Abhinav Gopal, currently serving as the Chief Development Officer of Ghaziabad, his fitness journey began in childhood. As a swimmer since the age of 5, his passion for the sport was instilled early, competing in district and state-level championships. His love for the water followed him to IIT Madras, where he represented his institute in water polo and swimming events. He also won the institute’s annual triathlon twice during his first and final year.
Deepak Karwa, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kaithal, shared a similar story. His initial interest in swimming came from a childhood desire to become fit and grow taller. Over time, swimming turned from a casual pursuit into a passion, especially during his days at IIT Madras, where, like Mr. Gopal, he represented the institute in aquatics and water polo. “We trained together, participated in marathons, and nurtured a shared ambition for endurance sports, culminating in multiple Inter-IIT competitions where we helped our team achieve significant victories,” Mr. Gopal shared.
The Ironman Dream
The turning point came in 2011 when Mr. Gopal participated in India’s first half Ironman, organized by the Chennai Trekking Club, which ignited his interest in triathlons. The Ironman bug had bitten both Abhinav and Deepak, and it was only a matter of time before they embarked on a full-fledged pursuit of this massive challenge.
After completing their engineering degrees and clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, they found themselves in the rigorous world of public administration. However, their passion for fitness never waned. They signed up for their first Half Ironman in Goa in 2022, which only strengthened their resolve to push for the full Ironman in Tallinn.
Juggling IAS Duties and Ironman Training
The life of an IAS officer is demanding, with daily schedules often stretching well beyond regular office hours. Yet, both exemplified discipline and dedication by carving out time for training amidst their busy routines.
Mr. Gopal’s training primarily took place in the early mornings, starting as early as 4 AM. “The most challenging part was cycling for 180 kilometers,” he says, emphasizing the sheer number of hours required for training, particularly for the biking segment. To adapt, Abhinav often used an indoor trainer and reserved weekends for long outdoor rides, covering distances between 120-140 kilometers. The duo also faced the added challenge of limited open-water swim practice, given the constraints of their official postings in Faridabad and Kaithal.
Mr. Karwa, on the other hand, had to balance family responsibilities alongside his professional and athletic commitments. Supported by his family and spouse, Poonam, he followed a strict schedule, training early mornings and late nights after official duties. “The support from my family was critical in allowing me to pursue this goal,” says Mr Karwa, reflecting on the sacrifices made to strike a balance between work, family, and fitness.
Both officers followed a structured training plan. Their training schedules were shared in a group chat where they held each other accountable. “The peer group motivation was a key factor in keeping us on track,” Mr. Karwa adds.
Crossing the Finish Line Together
On the race day in Tallinn, Mr. Gopal and Mr. Karwa finally realized their long-held dream. Despite having different finishing times—Mr. Gopal completed the race an hour ahead of Mr. Karwa—the two reunited at the finish line, celebrating a moment of immense satisfaction. “United we stand, divided we fall,” says Mr. Karwa, describing how they motivated each other throughout the race.
Promoting Sports and Fitness
Both the officers see their Ironman achievement as more than just a personal milestone. Their goal is to inspire others to pursue endurance sports and stay active, even in high-pressure careers. As civil servants, they are uniquely positioned to contribute to the Fit India Movement, promoting physical fitness and improving sports infrastructure.
“We aim to bring sports and fitness into mainstream society,” says Mr. Karwa, adding that their future plans include participating in marathons, triathlons, and swimming events like the Tata Mumbai Marathon and a 10-kilometer swim in Goa. They are also eyeing the prestigious London Marathon and even plan to tackle another Ironman in 2026.
Beyond personal fitness, both officers are committed to promoting sports infrastructure in India, ensuring that young athletes, especially in regions like Ghaziabad and Kaithal, have access to proper facilities, training, and support.
The Athlete in All of Us
Abhinav Gopal and Deepak Karwa’s journey from IIT Madras classmates to Ironman finishers showcases the power of perseverance, friendship, and balancing professional duties with personal passion. “There’s an athlete in all of us,” Abhinav reflects, urging others to find their passion and dedicate time to it, no matter how busy life gets.
