The 5 fittest CEOs in India

Whether it’s running a 42- km marathon or a grinding rally drive, these men take exertions in their stride, says Avantika Bhuyan

N Chandrasekaran

CEO and managing director Tata Consultancy Services

The agility of mind that this dynamic business leader shows in the boardroom is reflected in the field as well.

Chandra, as he is fondly known, travels for 20- 25 days a month and yet is up and running every morning at 5.00 am.

A family history of diabetes led him to consider running as a means to a healthy lifestyle. In an interview, he mentioned that till the age of 44, he hadn’t even run 10 metres.

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So for him to complete the New York Marathon in 2009 was a personal high. He completed the demanding Berlin full marathon spanning 42 kilometres in 2012.

He has also motivated young TCS employees to take up running as a means to connect with one another and with oneself.

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Ajay Bakaya

Executive director Sarovar Hotels and Resorts

This tall, lithe and athletic hotelier got hooked to running in marathons in the early 1990s when he was helping set up Hotel Nikko in Sydney.

He even ran the City 2 Surf marathon to Bondi beach and remembers with fondness the brass bands and cheering crowds on the sidelines.

Since then he has participated in various marathon events in India and abroad.

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Chakra meditation, chi running, playing tennis and eating according to his blood group are among his other fitness pursuits.

His style of meditation comes from a system of exercises known as the “ Five Tibetan Rites” and focuses on activating the chakras and keeping them spinning for good health.

Chi running is a specialised form of exercise that allows the runner to minimise exertion.

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Samir Thapar

Chairman and managing director, JCT

Arally driver, a football enthusiast and a gym buff - Thapar believes in achieving the right balance between a healthy diet and holistic fitness regimen.

Irrespective of his packed schedule, Thapar hits the gym five days a week. A one-time rally driver for JK Tyres, his exploits in motorsports are well- known.

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Just last year, Thapar topped the timesheets in the Super Special Stage at the concluding round of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship held in Chikmagalur.

He was also the owner of the JCT Football Club, one of the most successful Indian clubs, till it was disbanded in 2011.

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Naveen Jindal

Chairman, Jindal Steel and Power

Tales of this dapper politician entrepreneur conducting meetings perched on a saddle are legendary.

Jindal’s love for polo started at the age of six when his father gifted him a horse on his birthday.

Emerging as a prolific rider, he soon became a known face on the Indian polo circuit. Under his guidance, the Jindal Steel and Power polo team went on to achieve various laurels.

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Apart from being a polo player par excellence, he is also a skilled shooter, holding a national record in skeet shooting.

He extends his fitness philosophy to his parliamentary constituency of Kurukshetra as well.

Recently, he conducted a marathon to inspire residents of Kurukshetra to run for health and fitness.

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R Sivakumar

Managing director, Intel Capital

For Sivakumar, sports is a metaphor for life; it helps him de-stress. An avid cyclist, he manages to pedal his way around in spite of the hectic work schedule.

Passionate about the sport since childhood, cycling is all about soul searching for him.

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Even for small chores like buying groceries, he chooses to cycle rather than drive.

Apart from this, he plays tennis on the weekends and walks and runs to keep fit.