At 76, Kurian Jacob, a former international banker from Kerala, is preparing to pursue his world-record ambition at the World Masters Games Kansai 2027 in Japan. According to reports, Jacob won nine medals, including two gold, three silver and four bronze, at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei, Taiwan. After returning to India in 2017 following years of working overseas, he began competitive swimming in 2019 at the age of 69.
He now trains six days a week, swimming at least three kilometres daily, with his sights set on the 200-metre freestyle record in the 75-80 age category. Beyond his personal ambitions, Jacob is advocating better coaching, financial assistance and recognition for senior athletes in India. His journey highlights how pursuing a passion can open new possibilities long after retirement.
From Banking To Swimming
Born in Thidanadu, near Kanjirappally in Kerala’s Kottayam district, Jacob grew up close to a river, where he developed an early familiarity with swimming. However, the activity remained a part of his life rather than a competitive pursuit during his banking career. He worked overseas, including with Standard Chartered Bank, before returning to India in 2017 and settling in Kochi.
His competitive swimming journey began in 2019 when friends encouraged him to participate in a state-level Masters swimming championship. Although he won medals at the state meet, he could not secure a medal at the subsequent national competition. The setback motivated him to improve his technique, and he began watching professional swimming videos on YouTube when he struggled to find suitable coaching.
According to reports, his international journey began in 2023 at the European Masters Games in Finland, where he won five medals: three silver and two bronze. His breakthrough came at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei, where he secured nine medals. These included gold in the 200-metre freestyle and the three-kilometre open-water event, alongside medals in other freestyle, breaststroke and relay events.
The open-water gold was particularly significant because it was his first international open-water race. To prepare, Jacob spent nine months practising the three-kilometre distance in pools, rivers and the open sea to build endurance and prepare for strong currents. His achievement reflects the role of consistent practice and determination in competitive sport.
Chasing A World Record
Jacob’s next major target is the World Masters Games Kansai 2027 in Japan, where he hopes to challenge the world record in the 200-metre freestyle in the 75-80 age category. According to reports, he swims at least three kilometres each morning and follows a training routine six days a week.
His programme focuses on improving speed, endurance and technique, with guidance from a swimming coach who helps refine his preparation. Jacob has acknowledged that breaking the record will be difficult, but he views the goal as a source of motivation rather than a guarantee of success. He believes that setting ambitious targets can help athletes improve, even when they do not achieve the exact result they seek.
His ambitions also extend beyond personal achievements. Through the WalkAbout Athlete Programme, Jacob hopes to encourage older people to remain physically active and explore sporting opportunities. He has highlighted the challenges faced by senior athletes in India, including limited access to suitable coaching, the costs of international competition and insufficient recognition.
He has called for better training facilities, financial assistance, corporate sponsorship and greater consideration for Masters athletes in sports policy. Greater support, he believes, could help more older athletes participate in competitions and encourage healthier ageing. His wife, Sunu, and daughters have also supported his sporting journey, celebrating his achievements and encouraging him to continue pursuing his goals.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Kurian Jacob’s journey challenges the assumption that retirement means giving up on ambitions or limiting oneself because of age. His achievements demonstrate how determination, curiosity and a willingness to learn can help people discover new opportunities at every stage of life.
However, individual perseverance should not have to compensate for gaps in sporting infrastructure and support. Older athletes deserve access to appropriate coaching, safe training facilities and financial assistance to compete without facing unnecessary barriers. Recognising their achievements can challenge age-related stereotypes and encourage communities to value the aspirations and contributions of senior citizens.
Supporting older people in pursuing their interests also promotes inclusion, independence and stronger connections across generations. As Jacob prepares for his next challenge in Japan, what more can India do to help senior citizens pursue their passions and remain active, healthy and connected with their communities?
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