26/11 Mumbai hero completes the toughest Triathlon Championship

Teotia, who took four bullets during the 26/11 operation at Taj Mahal Hotel suffered injuries in his lungs and an ear, after which he suffered hearing loss

Former marine commando and Shaurya Chakra winner, 32-year-old Praveen Teotia had decided last year that he would make the disability he was left with after the 26/11 terror attack his strength. Around 10 days ago, he returned to the country having completed the Ironman Triathlon Championship 2018 in South Africa.

Teotia completed the entire championship in 14.19 hours. (HT PHOTO)

In the championship, one has to complete three events within 16.45 hours, which includes 3.8-km of sea swimming, followed by 180.2-km of cycling and a 42.2km run.

Teotia, who took four bullets during the 26/11 operation at Taj Mahal Hotel suffered injuries in his lungs and an ear, after which he suffered hearing loss.

“I may have become India’s first disabled Ironman,” Teotia laughs. “It is all about not letting your fears take you over, only then you can achieve something. The championship is one of the toughest and the most prestigious competition in the world. So last year, after earning a medal in the 72km-long Khardung La marathon in Ladakh, I had set my eyes on the championship,” he said.

“I fell down on the road and injured my knee and ankle in the accident, but did not give up. I went to the bike maintenance tent, 50 metres away from where I was. Though my cycle was repaired in 35 minutes, it was made gearless. I had to cycle uphill for 70km, even though I have a problem with my right lung. But I mustered the courage and completed the exercise in 7.37 hours,” he said.

Teotia, who had to undergo five surgeries after 26/11, knew that his impairments will not allow him to return to the field, but according to the Navy Order 9/11, he was reassigned to the rank of a petty officer.

Not wanting to do a desk job, he started preparing himself for marathons and participated in the Mumbai Marathon and Khardung La marathon. He now wishes to win America’s Ultraman, which will be held in Florida next February.