Niket Dalal, who made history as India's first visually impaired Ironman, has tragically passed away. He was found dead on Tuesday morning, July 1, 2025, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). The cause of death was determined to be a fall from the second floor of a hotel in the Samarthnagar area. The incident occurred around 8:00 am.
The circumstances leading to his death are particularly heartbreaking. A fire broke out at Niket's home on the night of June 30, rendering it unsafe for habitation. Friends arranged for him to stay at a hotel around 2:30 am. Tragically, he was discovered the following morning in the hotel's parking area.
Niket Dalal's achievement as the first visually impaired Indian to complete the Ironman triathlon is a testament to his incredible determination and spirit. In February 2020, he completed the grueling Ironman 70.3 in Dubai. The Ironman 70.3 consists of a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bicycle ride, and a 21.1 km run, all of which must be completed within 8 hours without breaks. Niket accomplished this feat in 7 hours and 44 minutes, securing second place in the differently-abled athletes category. He completed the race with his sighted ally, Arham Shaikh.
Niket lost his eyesight in 2015 due to glaucoma. Before losing his sight, he worked as a speech therapist in Aurangabad and was an accomplished swimmer, winning three medals at the national level. Even after losing his eyesight, Niket's passion for sports and his determination to overcome challenges never diminished.
To prepare for the Ironman, Niket trained for four months at PowerPeaks Athlete Lab in Pune under coach Chaitanya Velhal. His success was not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for others. He hoped his achievement would foster a more inclusive environment for differently-abled athletes.
Niket's passing is a significant loss to the sports community and beyond. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams, regardless of the obstacles. Niket Dalal was the son of former Deputy Mayor Lata Dalal. The city mourns the loss of a true champion who inspired countless individuals with his remarkable achievements.
