Nesarul Haque Suja, a native of Shaplapur in Moheshkhali, has set his sights on making Bangladesh proud. Currently residing in Chattogram, Suja began his journey into endurance sports in 2021. With exceptional skill in running, swimming, and cycling, he has become a formidable triathlete.
Suja has completed 14 major marathons to date, including Chattogram City Half Marathon 2022, Feni Half Marathon 2022, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Dhaka Marathon 2023 (21 km), Chase Kaptai Half Marathon 2023, UCR 25k 2023, Chunati.Com Marathon 2023 (10 km), Elite Marathon 2023 (21 km), Marine Drive Ultra Marathon 2024 (50 km), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Dhaka Marathon 2024, Rajkandi Hill 25k, UCR Half Marathon 2024, Vertical Dreamers Ultra 2024 (52 km), Dhaka 25k 2024 and Elite Marathon 2024.
Moreover, Suja completed the Wild 70.3, a triathlon covering distances equivalent to the Ironman 70.3, including 1.9 km swimming, 90 km cycling, and 21 km running.
He has also participated in two virtual endurance events, Most Cycling Activity: 50 km in 24 hours and Trizone BD 300 km in 30 Days Challenge.
Most recently, Suja marked Bangladesh’s 54th year of independence by completing a 54-kilometer ultra-marathon.
Talking to Cox’s Bazar Life, he shared his vision for 2025 and beyond, which includes a Cross-Country Trek, a journey on foot from Teknaf to Tetulia, and a Bangla Channel Swim, a swimming crossing from Teknaf to Saint Martin’s Island.
He also dreams of competing in an international Ironman race in 2028 and earning the prestigious Ironman title for Bangladesh.
After achieving these milestones, Suja plans to pursue the Ironman World Championship and explore the world of mountaineering.
He is passionate about nurturing talent in his hometown. He said he dreams of building a community of athletes in Cox’s Bazar, particularly in swimming, cycling, and running.
“I want Cox’s Bazar to produce an Ironman who will represent Bangladesh on the global stage,” he added.
He also said that with proper guidance and training, athletes from Cox’s Bazar have the potential to surpass their counterparts from other cities.
“This region has immense talent; all it needs is the right support to shine,” he added.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
