HYROX Delhi tested us in unexpected ways: Riyan Parag

United News of India

6 days ago

New Delhi, July 20 (UNI) If HYROX Mumbai set the benchmark, HYROX Delhi took it several notches higher. The iconic Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Center) came alive this morning as 2,600 participants converged to push their mental and physical boundaries at HYROX Delhi, India's second edition of the world's fastest-growing fitness race.
The electric atmosphere amped up as top cricketers Riyan Parag, Harshal Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Anuj Rawat teamed up for the relay—pushing their limits in a format that was as intense as it was exhilarating.
'Being part of the HYROX event in Delhi was a whole new kind of adrenaline rush. As cricketers, we are used to pushing our limits in training and on the field, but this experience tested us in unexpected ways. Teaming up with Harshal, Ravi, and Anuj for the relay was an absolute blast — full of camaraderie, friendly competition, and a lot of learning. Events like these, where sport meets community and culture, are so important in today's fitness space. I am really glad I got to be part of it,' said PUMA athlete and cricketer Riyan Parag.
Part of the global HYROX season, the Delhi race witnessed a whopping 62% increase in participants compared to the inaugural edition in Mumbai, underlining the virality of the format. Racers from across India and 39 countries took to the custom-built arena to complete the standard HYROX format: 8 x 1km runs interspersed with 8 functional workouts such as SkiErg, Sled Push, Sled Pull, Burpee Broad Jumps, Rowing, Farmer's Carry, Sandbag Lunges and Wall Balls.
Cricketer Ravi Bishnoi said, 'Being part of the PUMA all-star team at HYROX Delhi was a unique experience, tough, intense, and incredibly satisfying. It gave me a new perspective on endurance and body control, which directly connects with how I train for cricket. Love the PUMA x HYROX gear that was launched recently, it is definitely made for high-intensity athletes. I am happy to have been part of an event that celebrates the strength and commitment of athletes in an inspiring way,' added cricketer Ravi Bishnoi.
With participants from every corner of India and beyond, from 16-year-old Shrey Dabral of Dehradun to 66-year-old Ramakrishnan Sankaran from Delhi, HYROX Delhi was a living, breathing showcase of how fitness is evolving into a deeply personal, yet powerfully communal pursuit.
Sharing his experience, Cricketer Harshal Patel said, 'I really enjoyed the HYROX Delhi event and how it brought together fitness, competition, and camaraderie in one space. As someone who is constantly working on conditioning and recovery as part of my cricket journey, this was a great test. It is great to be part of PUMA because they understand what an athlete across levels needs to give their best performance.'
Spectators witnessed everything from first-time racers discovering their limits to seasoned fitness enthusiasts chasing personal bests. The participants powered through wall balls, gritted their way through sandbag lunges, and crossed the finish line with emotion written across every face.
'For me, HYROX Delhi was not just a fitness challenge, it was a mindset reset. Competing in that environment, surrounded by passionate athletes, really reminded me of the joy of pushing your own boundaries. Whether it was intense runs or strength workouts, the four of us had a great time. It is great to see brands like PUMA championing such events and redefining how we look at fitness in sport,' cricketer Anuj Rawat concluded.
UNI RKM