This story reminds me of the exceptional courage and valor that Indian Army infuses in its soldiers. Our prestigious and honorable forces bring out the best in their Men. This tale is about a young brave Army Officer Captain Sachin Singh Kuntal, Army Ordnance Corps, who recently set a world record by completing the world’s longest and toughest duathlon of 1401 KMs from New Delhi to Dras sector where Kargil War Memorial is situated.
Hailing from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, he, has succeeded in completing world’s longest and toughest duathlon till date and same has been forwarded for certification by both Limca and Guinness Books of world records. Captain Sachin Singh Kuntal with his team accomplished this achievement in 3 stages in 30 days.
Captain Sachin Singh Kuntal with his teammates started his first phase of journey on 30th July 2017 from Major Dhyanchand Stadium and ran for 574 KMs till Manali. Then from Manali to Leh, cycled for 557 kms. Finally, they ran for 270 KMs from Leh to Dras Sector where they ended a month-long duathlon, and paid tributes to the martyrs of 1999 war on 29th August 2017.
During this journey which was organised by Wildland Quests Pvt Ltd Adventure Sports Company, he and his team faced a lot of hardships but they didn’t quit.They sailed through the burning heat and heavy rainfall on plains, biting cold and snowfall and then on way to Dras, there was a near-total dearth of oxygen. They crossed some of the world’s highest and most dangerous passes like Rohtang (13058 feet), Nakeela (15557 feet), Bara lacha-La (16042 feet), Lachung-la(16616 feet), Khardung-la (18380 feet) etc.
According to the local newspapers, he said “Our aim was to amplify the glorious legacy of Indian Armed Forces and inspire the youth of India to come forward and participate in adventure sports. It’s the best way to inculcate patriotic values in everyone.”
Captain Sachin Singh Kuntal has done 10th from SJBSVM mathura in 2006 and later passed out from Nimawat Public School, Sikar in 2008 with a decent score of 90%.Thereafter he cracked the SSBs of NDA and TES and joined TES in Jan 2009. After passing out from CTW Mhow, he became a commissioned officer in Dec 2012 from IMA Dehradun.
And this is not a one-off achievement, earlier he set a national record in CBSE Athletics in 4*100 mtr relay event way back in 2004. Also, he has been a great hockey and football player during school and academy days. Last year, represented the Corps Team in the Army Adventure Challenge Cup organised in Rishikesh. Moreover, he has won a number of medals in Cross Country Races and Track events. His ultimate aim is to represent India and Indian Army in international events.
On returning to Mathura, he was given a hero’s welcome by everyone there. He has become a new youth icon of our country.
This story is an inspiring message for those who are struggling and striving hard for realizing their goals- “Do not Think of quitting till your last breath”. This story has a sad aspect to it too, in a country obsessed with breaking news, scandals, scams, and gossip, such inspiring stories get buried under the weight of more sellable news. This story is nearly absent from the mainstream national media. hopefully, someday content and story will have a better sellability quotient than viral and sensational news.