A cold shower is already uncomfortable for most of us. Now picture being surrounded by ice, with your body in the freezing water and only your head above it. That is exactly what Ankur Singh has done.
That’s what Ankur Singh, better known across India as Ankur Iceboy, has done. His incredible ability to withstand extreme cold has made him a familiar name in Indore and a striking example of just how far human endurance can be pushed.
But Ankur’s journey doesn’t end with the feat that made him famous. Now, Ankur is preparing for another world record attempt in Indore.
So how did Ankur get started, and what made him take on something like this? And what can people in Indore expect from his next attempt?
Let’s take a look at the story behind Ankur Iceboy and the challenge he is preparing to take on.
Who Is Ankur Iceboy?
Ankur Singh was born in Madhya Pradesh on 8 July 1992. He also trained in Taekwondo and eventually earned his black belt. Over time, he took his interest in physical endurance in a very different direction – spending long periods in direct contact with ice and documenting these attempts under record conditions.
He is now better known as Ankur Iceboy, or simply The Ice Boy. Some people also know him as the man who sits inside an ice coffin. You can find more about him and his work on his official website, theiceboy.in.
The Record That Started It All
Ankur first made it into the record books on 2 January 2012 in Indore. He got inside an ice coffin made using 21 ice slabs, with each slab weighing around 150 kg. Altogether, that was about 3 tonnes of ice.
Unique World Records lists the attempt as the “Longest Stay in an Ice Coffin” under Unique ID 2014SS304. Ankur stayed in the ice coffin for a full 2 hours and 15 minutes, going in at 10:20 am and stepping out at 12:35 pm. The World Record Association officially verified and listed the achievement on its records page. The attempt brought him into the public eye and gave him the popular name “Ankur Iceboy.”
Beyond the Ice Coffin: 52 Minutes in an Ice Bath
That ice coffin attempt wasn’t a one-off. Back on May 17, 2012 in Indore, Ankur sat in an ice bath for 52 minutes. The India Book of Records has the entry saved under IBRS20122788. It proves he wasn’t just chasing a quick stunt. He built his reputation by lining up multiple cold challenges, all backed by real record entries.
The New World Record Attempt in Indore
Ankur’s next step is the biggest of his career. His upcoming World Record Attempt in an ice coffin was officially accepted, with plans to hold it in Indore over the coming months. The specific spot and date are almost set and will be shared soon.
It’s important to note that this is just an approved attempt so far-he hasn’t set the new record yet. He still needs to execute the feat under official observation to claim the title, so his crew is working to ensure everything meets the required guidelines.
His mindset shows in his own words: a record, a mindset, a promise to break the record. This time he isn’t only defending what he did in 2012. He is aiming to go further.
What Makes an Ice Coffin Attempt So Demanding?
Sitting in cold water for a few minutes is hard for most people. Staying inside a coffin of ice for over two hours is a different level. The challenge is as much mental as physical:
- Time: Every minute feels longer than the one before while your body takes a heavy beating.
- Stillness: Without any movement or outside noise, you’re stuck sitting silently with the freezing air.
- Discipline: Controlling panic and breathing under those conditions requires years of consistent practice.
As Ankur explained: “every great challenge begins with one simple decision, the decision to believe in yourself.”
Quick warning: Don’t attempt this at home, sitting in extreme freezing cold carries real medical risks. It takes Ankur months of rigorous prep to pull these off safely.
Why Indore Should Be Watching
Indore is known for its food, its cleanliness awards and its pride in its own people. A world record attempt on home soil adds a new chapter to that story. It brings national and international attention, and a chance for local businesses, sponsors and event partners to be part of something memorable.
Once they lock in the details, people in Indore can go show some love to a hometown guy.
Questions & Answers
Who is Ankur Iceboy?
Ankur Singh was born July 8, 1992. He lives in Indore and built a name for himself by setting records in freezing ice challenges.
How long did Ankur Iceboy stay in the ice coffin?
On Jan 2, 2012, he clocked 2 hours and 15 minutes inside a box stacked with 21 ice slabs-roughly 3 tons worth. The record is published over on the Unique World Records site.
When is he attempting the next record?
It’s happening in Indore in a few months. The exact location and timing are still up in the air, so expect an update shortly.
Share this story on Instagram
Get a ready-made Bollywood Insider post card for this article, as a square post (1:1) or story (9:16).
Our newsroom covers Bollywood, box office, OTT and celebrity news — your daily dose of Bollywood.
