At 76 years old, Kurian Jacob from Kerala is demonstrating that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing ambitious goals. As a Masters swimmer, he has become a role model for individuals nationwide, showcasing his unwavering determination and commitment to fitness. Kurian is reshaping perceptions of healthy aging and athletic achievement in India. Though he only began competing in 2019, swimming has been a significant part of his life since childhood. Raised in a home situated by a river, he recalls learning to swim before he could walk. After concluding an international banking career at 67, Kurian decided against retirement and chose to follow his passion for swimming.
Event Context
A pivotal decision has reshaped Kurian’s life. As a WalkAbout Athlete, he has emerged as one of India’s top Masters swimmers, boasting numerous international accolades—including nine medals from the World Masters Games in Taiwan, where he secured two golds, and achieving podium finishes at the European Masters Championships. With a goal to break a world record in the 75-80 age category at the upcoming World Masters Games in Japan, Kurian shared insights in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times Digital regarding his life-altering moment, the lifestyle changes that propelled his success, and the mindset that fuels his passion and inspires others to remain active, regardless of age.
“I returned from overseas work in 2017, and I’m not fond of the term ‘retirement.’ I sought ways to stay active, which led me to intermittent fasting—now, I mentor about 70 individuals in this practice. My interest also shifted toward kombucha and fermented foods due to my long-held passion for wellness. In 2019, some college friends invited me to a state Masters competition, recalling my childhood as a river swimmer. Although I had never competed, I had been swimming since a young age; in fact, I often joke that I learned to swim before I learned to walk, given my home was near a river. At the state meet in Thiruvananthapuram, I won several medals—a thrill that propelled me to the national championships in Baroda, where I didn’t place. My competitive nature only intensified, motivating me to train harder.
A setback came with COVID-19, which paused all activities for nearly 18 months. When pools closed, I attempted land training but ended up with a sprain. Nevertheless, I persisted. That was the beginning of my competitive swimming journey in 2019, and since then, there’s been no turning back.
“At the time of the state meet, my entry was almost serendipitous. I performed well, though my national experience yielded no medals, which only fueled my resolve. I began watching YouTube videos to refine my technique, increased my efforts, and eventually started winning national golds. It sparked the idea to compete internationally, launching my overseas journey in 2023, with annual competitions ever since.
The highlight of my experience was the World Masters Games in Taipei, Taiwan—an event held every four years, akin to the Olympics, featuring around 25,000 athletes. I achieved the highest medal tally by any Indian—nine medals in total: two gold, three silver, and four bronze. A standout moment was securing gold in the 3km open-water event in the South China Sea, marking my first open-water race outside India and making the win particularly meaningful.
As we age, balance becomes crucial, and I encourage my peers to work on this aspect. Over time, I’ve cultivated a global community of followers. Even seniors from Europe seek my advice on wellness techniques that have proven beneficial. I’ve also delved into Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), blending modern psychology with traditional acupressure—something that I cherish both learning and sharing. My days are filled with training, wellness practices, and engaging with people online, and I genuinely relish every moment.
Player Focus
I recommend you start by joining WalkAbout and, more importantly, stay active. If you currently lead a sedentary lifestyle, begin gradually; if you’re already active, push yourself to enhance your routine a bit each day. Many of us participated in sports during our youth, and my message is clear—keep going. Athletes never truly retire. There are countless opportunities to compete at any age. For instance, at the World Masters Games in Taipei, I witnessed a remarkable 104-year-old competitor complete the 100 metres unaided, which was incredibly motivating. So, whether you take up a new sport or reconnect with old friends to form a team, consider entering Master’s competitions where you can represent India. Most importantly, prioritize staying active. Just keep moving.
You’ve won medals for India at major international events. Which moment has stayed with you the most, and why?
If I had to highlight two unforgettable moments, the first would be my experience at the 2023 Masters meet in Finland. I entered the event aiming for at least a bronze medal, but returned with five medals: three silver and two bronze. Despite not winning gold, the achievement felt significant, marking me as an international competitor.
The pursuit of a world record is deeply personal for me. I strive for excellence, believing that aiming high propels you further than you would otherwise go. While I recognize that breaking a world record might be a long shot, this aspiration fuels my motivation. Although the Olympian who holds the record and I have both aged, there’s still a possibility for improvement, which fuels my ambition. I don’t advocate this mindset for everyone, as it can lead to disappointment, but for me, progress is what matters most. That’s why I’m heading to Japan with the world record in mind, despite knowing the odds are against me. This goal has transformed my training routine; I now swim six to seven days a week and cover at least three kilometers each day. I’ve heard from a friend in Japan that competition will be intense due to their significant investment in training. I want to uphold my achievements from Taipei, which is why I’ve launched an Instagram countdown titled ‘300 Days to Kansai’ to keep my motivation high.
This brings me to my aversion to the term ‘retirement.’ I believe I’ve simply transitioned into a new career in swimming. My mornings revolve around training: I swim three kilometers daily, typically after fasting for 15 to 16 hours. My training plan comes from a friend I met in Taipei, who observed my technique during his February visit, identified areas for improvement, and updates my training regimen every two weeks. After swimming, I break my fast and focus on minimally processed foods. Additionally, I create Instagram Reels, sharing not only my countdown to Kansai but also wellness techniques like Tai Chi walking and tapping that have significantly improved my balance and health.
I’m glad you raised this issue because it’s something I’m very passionate about. One of my main concerns is the limited recognition for Masters and senior athletes in India. After reviewing the National Sports Policy released in July 2025, I was disappointed to find no mention of Master’s athletes within its 25 pages. While the focus on nurturing young talent for the 2036 Olympics is understandable, senior athletes are being overlooked in terms of support and infrastructure.
This lack of recognition continues to be evident in the recently approved Viksit Bharat 2047 sports roadmap by the Union Cabinet, which allocates substantial funding to elevate India as a leading sporting nation but similarly neglects senior athletes.
I’m thankful to be involved with the WalkAbout Athlete Programme, which provides me with a platform to advocate for this issue. Encouraging seniors to engage in sports is beneficial not only for athletics but also for public health. Active ageing can lead to reduced healthcare expenses and enhanced quality of life, making it a wise investment. Though government backing would be ideal, I hope more corporations will support Master’s athletes through CSR initiatives. Competing and traveling can be more costly for seniors, and financial assistance can significantly help. While policies rightly address women and para-athletes, senior athletes still deserve recognition. There is much work ahead, and I hope to see this change.
