“I believed that by accomplishing this, I could set an example for the world, demonstrating that cancer is not an insurmountable battle.”~ Nidhin Valsan
In the world of endurance and resilience, few stories compare to that of IPS Officer Nidhin Valsan, whose journey from a successful law enforcement career to battling stage 4 cancer, and ultimately completing the Ironman Triathlon, inspires us all.
A Career of Service
Nidhin Valsan, a native of Kerala, excelled academically and earned an engineering degree from NIT Calicut before joining the Indian Police Service in 2012. Early in his career, he achieved notable success, including securing a spot in the Limca Book of Records for recovering stolen goods during his tenure as Assistant Commissioner of Police in Delhi. His dedication continued in Lakshadweep, where he took on leadership roles, and later as Superintendent of Police in Goa.
But just as he was advancing in his career, life presented him with an unforeseen challenge.
The Cancer Diagnosis
In November 2020, Nidhin’s health took a sudden turn. Severe body pain and sleepless nights led to a diagnosis of stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February 2021. Chemotherapy sessions followed, leaving him physically weakened and mentally exhausted. Steroids caused rapid weight gain, and the struggle with COVID-19 twice during recovery further worsened his health. Despite these hurdles, Nidhin refused to give up.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Rather than succumb to despair, Nidhin chose to fight. He resolved not just to survive but to regain control of his life. Drawing inspiration from the Ironman Triathlon, a demanding race consisting of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling, and 21.1 km run, he set a new goal. Training through the pain, he pushed his limits, determined to prove that his diagnosis would not define him.
On November 13, 2022, in Goa, Nidhin completed the Ironman 70.3. His finishing time of 8 hours and 3 minutes was a symbol of triumph, a demonstration of his resilience and willpower.
Continuing Service and Further Battles
Even while undergoing treatment, Nidhin continued his police duties. After his recovery, he led a Special Investigation Team in Goa, and implemented advanced administrative systems within the North Goa Police District.
His journey didn’t stop there. On his transfer to Delhi, Nidhin faced a relapse of lymphoma and had to undergo another round of treatments, including a bone marrow transplant. But even in this battle, his determination never faltered.
Overcoming a New Set of Challenges
When the cancer relapsed, the stakes were higher. The aggressive nature of the illness required him to undergo salvage chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. These treatments were intense and grueling, pushing Nidhin to his limits once again. However, he approached these hurdles with the same tenacity he had applied to his law enforcement duties and the Ironman challenge. For Nidhin, there was no room for self-pity or retreat. He continued to inspire everyone around him, maintaining his resolve even as he faced the mental and physical strain of his second cancer battle. During this time, he received all his treatments in government hospitals, embodying his deep belief in public institutions and the power of collective strength.
A Beacon of Hope
Nidhin’s journey is now immortalized in his debut book, “Cancer Man to Ironman: A Police Officer’s Journey of Arresting Illness.” The book not only highlights his battles and triumphs but also carries an important message about endurance, hope, and the will to overcome. The book features a foreword by cricketer Yuvraj Singh, himself a cancer survivor and advocate for mental and physical wellness. Through this account, Nidhin’s story reaches far beyond his personal achievements; it speaks to everyone facing life’s obstacles, offering a beacon of hope to those dealing with their own struggles.
Legacy of Resilience
Nidhin Valsan’s life is not just about overcoming illness—his story is one of thriving against all odds. From fighting crime to fighting cancer, and then taking on one of the most grueling endurance challenges, he demonstrates that the human spirit knows no limits. His ability to adapt, persist, and rise above every challenge defines his legacy as a police officer, a cancer warrior, and an Ironman. For anyone battling adversity, his journey offers a profound lesson: no matter how steep the climb, it’s possible to emerge stronger and accomplish what once seemed impossible. Nidhin Valsan’s indomitable spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
