From Civil Servant to Ironman of the Sea: Ghaziabad’s CDO Sets a Remarkable Record
IAS officer Abhinav Gopal, a 2020-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and currently serving as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ghaziabad, has achieved a feat that merges physical endurance with unwavering spirit—swimming across the English Channel, one of the most perilous stretches of open water in the world.
He completed the daunting swim in 11 hours and 19 minutes on June 18, setting an inspiring milestone for civil servants and the nation’s youth.
Endurance Across the English Channel
The English Channel, which separates southern England and northern France, is notorious for its frigid waters, powerful currents, and heavy maritime traffic. While the direct distance is around 33 kilometers, the strong tides extended the actual swimming distance to nearly 55 kilometers.
Reflecting on the challenge, Mr. Gopal shared, “The water was bone-chilling. The hardest part was mental endurance. I kept chanting the name of Lord Ram the entire way.”
A Diverse and Fearless Team
Joining Gopal in this remarkable venture were swimmers from different corners of India:
- Robin Baldev – West Bengal
- Ayushi Kailash Akhara, Shashruti Nakade, Ayush Tawde – Maharashtra
- Ishant Singh – Haryana
The team faced severe conditions, including jellyfish stings, shark-prone waters, and the risk of hypothermia.
Who Is IAS Abhinav Gopal?
Born on December 29, 1990, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Gopal holds both B.Tech and M.Tech degrees from IIT Madras. He previously cleared the CAPF exam in 2015 and served in the Indian Forest Service in 2017 before fulfilling his dream of becoming an IAS officer in 2020.
After completing training, he was posted as Joint Magistrate in Kanpur and later appointed as CDO of Ghaziabad in September 2023.
Swimming Toward Greatness
Gopal has been passionate about swimming since the age of five. In April 2023, he swam the 28-kilometer stretch of the Palk Strait from Sri Lanka to India. He also earned the prestigious Ironman title in a triathlon held in Estonia on August 24, 2024—an event comprising a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycling, and a 42.2 km marathon, all within 16.5 hours. He completed the race in just 14 hours.
Symbol of Strength and Dedication
More than a personal milestone, Gopal’s achievements resonate as a beacon of determination, discipline, and self-mastery. His journey—from academia to civil service to endurance sports—is being celebrated widely, with many viewing him as an emblem of what public service and personal grit can achieve.
