New Delhi: In a heartfelt session at the Ekamra Sports Literature Festival, celebrated author and IPS officer Nidhin Valsan captivated audiences with his incredible journey, as chronicled in his book Cancer Man to Iron Man: A Police Officer’s Journey of Arresting Illness. This deeply personal and inspiring narrative details Valsan’s battle with cancer, his journey to becoming an Ironman athlete, and his unwavering spirit that transformed immense challenges into milestones of achievement.
Moderated by seasoned journalist Vishnu Shanker, whose illustrious career spans stints at BBC World Service and NewsX, the event showcased a compelling conversation about courage, discipline, and perseverance.
A Heroic Journey
Deputy Commissioner of Police in Delhi, Nidhin Valsan, has faced extraordinary trials. Diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in early 2021, he endured six grueling cycles of chemotherapy, only to be struck by two waves of COVID-19 while recovering from the disease. Despite these setbacks, Valsan emerged cancer-free later that year, only to face a relapse in 2024, requiring a bone marrow transplant alongside further rounds of chemotherapy.
Sharing his story, Valsan reflected on the emotional and physical toll of his battle:
“Fighting cancer is not just about the body; it’s also a battle of the mind. You question everything, but it’s vital to hold on to the urge to live and embrace life with loved ones.”
Ironman: A Symbol of Resilience
Determined to challenge himself post-recovery, Valsan set his sights on the Ironman Triathlon — an endurance event comprising a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km cycling race, and a 21.2 km half marathon. In 2022, he successfully completed his first Ironman event, a feat he repeated in 2023.
Describing the discipline required to prepare for such events, Valsan remarked:
“Training for Ironman wasn’t just about physical fitness. It taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up, regardless of the obstacles.”
The Inspiration Behind the Book
Valsan’s book was born from his desire to break the stigma surrounding cancer. Written in longhand over eight months, Cancer Man to Iron Man is as much a story of hope as it is of education.
“Many cancer patients feel isolated and uninformed about their diagnosis and treatment. Through my book, I wanted to show that cancer is not an end; it’s a chance for a new beginning,” Valsan shared.
His story also highlights the crucial role of a support network, from friends and family to fellow cancer survivors who guided him through the darkest times.
A Message of Hope
Valsan’s session concluded with a stirring message:
“Life will always test us, but the most important thing is to keep moving forward. With determination and support, we can turn any challenge into a stepping stone.”
The festival attendees, inspired by his resilience and honesty, left with a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. Cancer Man to Iron Man is not just a book—it is a beacon of hope for all those facing life’s toughest battles.
Overcoming Cancer and Rediscovering Life’s Purpose: A Journey of Resilience
In a moving narrative, Valsan shares the heart-wrenching journey of being diagnosed with cancer and the emotional and physical hurdles that followed.
A Diagnosis That Shattered Reality
When the cancer diagnosis came, Valsan’s first concern was for his family—particularly for his parents and wife. Understandably, breaking such news was difficult, and he feared that the emotional toll would overwhelm them. To lessen their burden, a close friend took the responsibility of informing his parents, stressing that while he needed their strength, the family had to remain composed for his sake.
In a testament to the resilience of his parents and wife, they remained remarkably strong through the diagnosis and treatment. The wife, although visibly devastated, held back tears and maintained a composed demeanor, even on the day he received the news that he had been cleared of cancer.
The Emotional Struggles: “Why Me?”
One of the most difficult aspects of the journey was grappling with the “why me” question. Valsan questioned why he, a man who had lived a life full of aspirations and goals, was struck by this ailment. He recounts how, during chemotherapy, he witnessed the heart-wrenching reality of children—some as young as infants—suffering from cancer. One particular moment that stands out is the image of a 1.5-year-old boy, newly in the world, battling blood cancer. The emotional weight of this sight shifted his perspective. Instead of asking “Why me?” he learned to ask, “What can I do with the life I still have?”
This epiphany transformed his mindset from one of self-pity to one of acceptance and empowerment. The narrative of his experience in the hospital, where he shared a room with other cancer patients, painted a picture of a harrowing reality, yet it was also one of strength and survival. The cries of infants and the sight of children undergoing treatment underscored the painful reality of the disease, but also the shared struggle of those facing it.
The Path to Recovery: A Focus on Fitness and Confidence
After completing his chemotherapy treatment, Valsan’s focus shifted toward regaining his physical health. As an IPS officer, staying fit was part of his job, but the disease had taken a toll on his body, and he felt physically and mentally defeated. Gaining weight, losing stamina, and being unable to exercise for over a year were demoralizing.
The solution? Setting a goal. Initially planning for a marathon, he was soon drawn to the challenge of an Ironman Triathlon. This extreme physical challenge would test his limits but also help him rebuild his confidence and self-esteem. Despite the strain it put on his knees and the challenges it presented, the triathlon became a symbol of his resilience—a goal to work toward, a target that would push him back into shape, physically and mentally.
A New Perspective on Life
The journey through cancer was not just about survival; it was about learning to appreciate the value of health, family, and purpose. The realization that life’s struggles are often trivial in comparison to the real battles people face, especially in a cancer ward, was transformative.
In the end, Valsan not only overcame cancer but also emerged stronger, more focused, and more driven. He urges others facing their own battles, particularly those dealing with seemingly insurmountable challenges, to focus on what they can do rather than dwelling on what has happened to them. His story is a powerful reminder that resilience is born out of struggle, and that the human spirit, when supported by a strong foundation of love and purpose, is capable of incredible feats.
This account is not just a survival story—it’s a testament to the strength of the human will and the importance of finding meaning and purpose even in the darkest times.
