Niket Dalal, India's first visually impaired Ironman, has tragically died in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) after falling from a hotel. The incident occurred on the morning of July 1, 2025, at approximately 8:00 AM in the Samarthnagar area. Dalal, 38, was discovered in the hotel's parking area.
The circumstances leading to his death are particularly poignant. On June 30, 2025, a fire broke out at Dalal's family home, rendering it unsafe for habitation. Friends arranged for him to stay at a hotel around 2:30 AM. The following morning, he was found to have fallen from the second floor of the hotel.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fall. While initial reports suggest it may have been accidental, the investigation is ongoing.
Niket Dalal's life was one of remarkable achievement and inspiration. Having lost his eyesight to glaucoma in 2015, he defied all odds to become the first visually impaired Indian to complete the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in Dubai in 2020. This grueling race includes a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bicycle ride, and a 21.1 km run. Dalal completed the race in 7 hours and 44 minutes, securing second place in the differently-abled category. He was also a national-level swimmer and had won three medals before losing his sight.
Dalal's achievement at the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon was a source of immense national pride. He trained for four months under coach Chaitanya Velhal, focusing on refining his skills and coordination with his sighted ally, Arham Shaikh. During the race, Dalal and Shaikh were tethered together for the swimming leg.
"I have lost my eyesight but not my vision," Dalal said, after his historic achievement. He hoped his accomplishment would inspire differently-abled athletes and foster a more inclusive environment.
Niket Dalal was the son of Lata Dalal, a former Deputy Mayor. His untimely death has cast a shadow of grief over the sports and social communities in Aurangabad. Tributes have poured in, recognizing him as a resilient athlete who inspired countless others.
