IAS officer Abhinav Gopal, serving as Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ghaziabad, made history as part of a record-breaking six-member Indian relay team that conquered the treacherous English Channel in just 11 hours and 19 minutes. The swim marked the fastest Channel crossing by an Indian six-member relay team, showcasing a rare blend of discipline, endurance, and teamwork.
Balancing Bureaucracy and Bravery
Training in 12–13°C water temperatures while managing administrative duties wasn’t easy. “Having a target like this forces you to manage your time. It keeps you sharp,” said Mr. Gopal. His disciplined routine—swimming thrice a week while fulfilling his public service duties—was proof that intense athletic goals can coexist with demanding careers.
The Logistics Behind the Feat
Organising a Channel relay is no small feat. With the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) overseeing pilots, observers, and safety protocols, the Indian team navigated complex logistics, including a ₹4 lakh cost shared among the swimmers. “You can’t just show up and swim,” Gopal said. “Every detail matters—from tides to teamwork.”
The relay format, chosen for its feasibility amidst work commitments, allowed Gopal to live his athletic passion without stepping away from service. The team, representing various Indian states, exemplified unity in diversity—a trait often praised but rarely so vividly displayed.
A Swim Beyond Glory
For Mr. Gopal, this wasn’t just a personal milestone. “It’s about fitness, mental clarity, and pushing boundaries,” he shared. “When you’re physically active, you perform better at work too.” Compared to his previous Ironman triathlon, the Channel was uniquely grueling due to its frigid waters.
Another IAS Inspiration: Deepak Karwa
Adding another layer to this extraordinary story is IAS Deepak Babulal Karwa, Gopal’s batchmate, who swam with a separate Indian relay team just two days earlier. Despite having started swimming much later in life, Karwa’s team completed the crossing in 13 hours and 39 minutes, proving that it’s never too late to chase audacious goals.
“Deepak wasn’t a trained swimmer like me,” Gopal said. “But his determination got him across. That’s the spirit we need.”
A Message for Every Indian
Together, their back-to-back swims represent more than records—they symbolize what civil servants can achieve outside the corridors of governance. In an era where stress and burnout are common, their journey offers a template for personal wellness, team spirit, and national pride.
Gopal, now back in Ghaziabad, has no set plans for his next challenge. “It’s not about medals,” he says. “It’s about staying mentally and physically fit. That’s what keeps me going.”