New Delhi, June 23: Over 40,000 participants made history on Tuesday as India hosted the inaugural ‘Fun Run’ for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, part of the Olympic Council of Asia’s ‘Asian Games for All’ initiative, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated this historic event at the University Stadium, alongside Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Kerala’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister OJ Anesh Kumar, and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya congratulated the Indian Olympic Association, Kerala Olympic Association, and all stakeholders involved in organizing the event. He praised the state’s sports culture and public participation, stating, “Kerala holds a special place on India’s sports map. The passion for sports is evident not only among our athletes but also among the people here.”
Highlighting the impact of athlete development programs in the state, the minister noted, “Today, 115 athletes from Kerala, including 69 women, are part of the Khelo India program, training to become India’s future champions. Additionally, 17 athletes from Kerala are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and are receiving world-class training.”
The ‘Fun Run’ saw enthusiastic participation from citizens, educational institutions, and sports associations across Kerala. The event featured performances by the Indian Army Band, Zumba sessions, bodybuilding displays, and demonstrations by yoga and gymnastics athletes.
Discussing India’s sports aspirations, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “India has secured the rights to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. We have also bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036. Prime Minister Modi aims to position India among the top ten sports nations by 2030 and among the top five by 2047, coinciding with our 100th anniversary of independence.”
Expressing confidence in India’s performance at the upcoming Asian Games, the minister remarked, “I believe India will set a new record at the Asian Games in Japan in 2026. I am also confident that Kerala’s athletes will play a crucial role in our performance and medal tally.”
Following the ‘Fun Run,’ a grand rally featuring roller skaters, electric scooters, and bullet motorcycles took place, with over a thousand children and youth participating. The celebration concluded with a colorful closing ceremony at Central Stadium.
This historic event transformed the state capital into a vibrant celebration of sports spirit, fitness, youth engagement, and community participation. Students, athletes, coaches, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, armed forces personnel, Kerala police, excise department officials, and ordinary citizens took part.
The successful organization of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games ‘Fun Run’ further solidifies Kerala’s identity as a leading sports state and showcases the collective commitment of governments, sports organizations, educational institutions, and citizens to promote the values of sports, youth engagement, and the Olympic movement.
Leave a Comment