-Pratyusha Mukherjee
More than 40,000 people participated in the first-ever 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run in India, held in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday under the Olympic Council of Asia’s “Asian Games for All” initiative.
The event was flagged off by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya at the University Stadium in the presence of Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha, Kerala Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O.J. Janeesh Kumar and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya praised Kerala’s sporting culture and its contribution to Indian sports.
“Kerala occupies a special place on India’s sporting map. Its passion for sports is visible not only in its champions but also in its people,” he said.
Highlighting athlete development programmes in the state, the minister said 115 athletes from Kerala, including 69 women, are currently supported under the Khelo India programme, while 17 athletes are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
“Today, 115 athletes from Kerala, including 69 women athletes, are part of the Khelo India programme, training to become India’s future champions. Further, 17 athletes from Kerala are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), receiving world-class training,” he said.
The Fun Run drew participation from students, athletes, sports associations and members of the public from across the state. The event also featured performances by the Indian Army Band, fitness activities, bodybuilding displays and demonstrations by yoga and gymnastics athletes.
Speaking about India’s sporting ambitions, Dr. Mandaviya said the country is aiming to establish itself among the world’s leading sporting nations.
“India has got the hosting rights of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. We have also bid for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India. PM Modi has set the target to make India one of the top 10 sporting nations of the world by 2036 and among the top 5 by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of our independence,” he said.
Expressing optimism about India’s prospects at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, the minister added: “I am confident that in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, we will set a new record. I am equally confident that athletes from Kerala will have a major role to play in the country’s performance and podium finishes.”
Following the run, a rally featuring roller skaters, electric scooters and Bullet motorcycles was organised with the participation of more than 1,000 children and young people. The celebrations concluded with a colourful closing ceremony at the Central Stadium.
The event brought together athletes, coaches, students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, armed forces personnel, police officials and sports enthusiasts, turning the city into a celebration of fitness, sportsmanship and community participation.
Organisers said the successful hosting of the Asian Games Fun Run underscored Kerala’s status as one of India’s leading sporting states and reflected the growing enthusiasm for sports ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
