Daijiworld Media Network- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jul 2: In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has left the nation mourning, Niket Srinivas Dalal, India’s first and the world’s fifth visually impaired Ironman, tragically passed away after falling from the second floor of a hotel in the Samarthnagar area early Monday morning.

The 38-year-old, who hailed from Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) and was a speech therapist by profession, was discovered in the parking area of the hotel around 8 am on July 1, just hours after checking in. He had been staying at the hotel after a fire broke out at his family home late on the night of June 30. The blaze rendered the house unsafe, prompting his friends to arrange alternative accommodation for him around 2:30 am.

Niket, who had lost his vision to glaucoma in 2015, made history in 2020 by completing the grueling Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, a prestigious global event that involves a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling, and a 21.1 km run. His accomplishment earned him national pride as India's first blind athlete to finish the event, and only the fifth in the world to do so.

Son of former Deputy Mayor Lata Dalal, Niket was also a national-level swimmer, having bagged three medals prior to his complete vision loss.

News of his untimely demise has cast a pall of gloom over Aurangabad's sports and social communities, with tributes pouring in for the resilient athlete who defied odds and became a beacon of inspiration for the differently-abled across the country.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the fall. While early reports suggest it may have been accidental, police are yet to confirm the details.

Niket Dalal’s life stood as a testament to human willpower, courage, and perseverance, and his legacy will continue to inspire countless others for years to come.