Meet man, IIT grad who cracked UPSC exam, became IFS then IAS officer, won title of 'Iron Man' after....

Abhinav Gopal who is a 29-year-old IAS officer, has earned the title of "Iron Man" after completing one of the most challenging athletic feats in the world: the Iron Man Triathlon. But his achievement goes beyond just athletics. Gopal's journey is a testament to perseverance, determination, and a commitment to both public service and personal growth.

Born in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Gopal’s academic journey began with schooling at MPVM Ganga Gurukulam, where he excelled and scored 88%. His love for learning continued as he pursued B.Tech and M.Tech at the prestigious IIT Madras, where he earned a solid GPA of 7.69/10. However, Gopal’s journey toward becoming an IAS officer wasn’t easy. It took him six attempts to crack the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2017, despite earlier successes in qualifying the CAPF (2015) and IFS (2017) exams. But his persistence paid off when he finally made it into the Indian Administrative Service.

Currently serving as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ghaziabad, Gopal has managed to balance the intense responsibilities of his job with his passion for fitness. In August 2024, he took on the Iron Man Triathlon in Estonia—a grueling race that spans 226 kilometers, including swimming, cycling, and a marathon. Despite facing temperatures as low as 17°C, Gopal completed the entire triathlon in 14 hours, showcasing not only his physical strength but also his mental toughness.

For Gopal, fitness is not just a hobby—it’s a vital part of his mental and emotional well-being. He believes that staying physically fit helps in managing stress and boosting productivity. He emphasizes that if you're truly passionate about something, you'll always find time to pursue it, no matter how busy your schedule is.

Gopal’s achievement is an inspiring example of how hard work, dedication, and passion can help you achieve greatness in both professional and personal spheres. His story serves as a motivation to those juggling multiple roles, showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

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