'You can't wait for everything to be over to pursue your passion'

Nagaland Secretary, Shanavas C, IAS Completes Ironman Challenge

Vishü Rita Krocha 
Kohima | October 28

After battling stage-4 Lymphoma cancer, Nidhin Valsan, IPS was a finisher of the daunting Ironman challenge in the year 2022 while being posted in Goa. Nidhin Valsan, who went on to author a book titled, ‘Cancerman to Ironman’ was a batchmate of Nagaland's Secretary for Industries & Commerce, Shanavas C, IAS, for whom it was inspiration enough to take upon himself the Ironman challenge. 

Not only did he participate but also successfully completed it for the second consecutive year which was held on October 27. Shanavas C, IAS was one of the finishers of the event that saw a participation of 1200 athletes from 57 countries in Goa this year, which also marked the 4th edition since its inception.

Ironman is an endurance triathlon competition, which takes place across countries at different times. Ironman India happens in Goa every year, and starts with 1.9 km swimming in the open sea, followed by 90 km cycling and 21.1 km running, all of which should be completed in a maximum total time of 8 and half hours. 

As a first timer in 2023, he related to The Morung Express that, "I was a little nervous, and Nagaland has hardly any facilities for swimming, leaving aside open sea swimming." This year, however, he was a bit more confident as an experienced athlete even as he successfully completed the challenge in a finish time of 7:20:15.

To participate in the Ironman, he said that, "there is no pre requisites as such, but a person should be physically and mentally fit to do it, since it involves hours of activities, that too in the heat." "So, it is not advisable for persons with serious medical conditions", he added. 

Apart from the motivation drawn from his batchmate, Nidhin Valsan, IPS, he said, there were one or two friends who has completed the challenge beforehand, and also family and some friends, who have been a major source of support. 

As a bureaucrat, it isn't always convenient to pursue other interests since in his words, "official engagements keep you occupied throughout the day." But in the meantime, he put across that, "you can’t wait for everything to be over to pursue your passion. It is just getting dedicated to your passion and managing your time well."

"My usual time of practice is morning 5 am to 7 am without disturbing the work and family time, and make it a point I don’t have any excuse to skip practice any day", he further revealed. 

His overall experience has been that of "a sense of accomplishment, but at the same time continuing urge to challenge and improve yourself, and never be complacent."

In a message to young people, he also conveyed that, "youngsters these days should recognise their passion and work towards achieving small goals in that, then proceed for bigger targets." 

"Consistency, dedication and clear vision of your goal are the keywords", he put across. 

Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman, Investment & Development Authority (IDAN) also took to 'X' (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Shanavas, IAS, Nagaland Cadre, for being a Finisher at the Goa IronMan. 

"To FINISH such a race needs years of training, Herculean strength & stamina and enormous mental toughness", he stated in the post while adding, "Well Done! You are an inspiration to all of us, especially the youth. Keep shining!"