Mamu Hage (34), Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa, will be one of the first lady IAS officers taking part in the forthcoming IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, scheduled to take place in Panaji on November 13, 2022.
Hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, Mamu, a strong swimmer, will be part of a three-person relay team comprising IAS officers, who will race in the 113 km event (1.9 km swim + 90 km cycling + 21 km run).
In a media release issued in the city on Saturday, Mamu said, “I like trying out new things, and the moment the Yoska team came to my door with IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, I knew I had to do this. Team Yoska has been helping with my training for the last few weeks, and I am thrilled to be participating and hope to finish well in time.”
Speaking about her preparations for the event, Mamu said, “To be honest there is not much time left before the day of the race, but I feel that is just an excuse. If my participation inspires more women in civil services to take up fitness, I would be truly delighted."
A firm believer in Prime Minister Modi's “Fit India” campaign, Mamu feels the IRONMAN triathlon and Fit India Movement go hand-in-hand and will help Goans take to a fit life.
“IRONMAN is a global event, and Goa has always been associated with sports, be it FC Goa or the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The intention of the Fit India Movement is to create small habits that lead to a healthier life and IRONMAN is an event that embodies that spirit, giving an opportunity to people of all ages and genders to be a part of the movement,” Mamu said.
Interestingly, Mamu has launched a fitness programme along with Yoska for her own department. “Yoska had the police and fire departments on a programme already, so I did not want my department to miss out. Getting that balance in life – of work, fitness and rest – makes you more productive,” she said.