Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed the growing participation of India’s youth in endurance events such as IRONMAN 70.3, held in Goa, calling it a reflection of the nation’s fitness consciousness and the spirit of the Fit India Movement.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: “Glad to see increased participation by our youth in events like Ironman 70.3 which was held in Goa today. Such events contribute towards #FitIndia movement. Congratulations to everyone who took part. Delighted that two of our young Party colleagues, Annamalai and Tejasvi Surya, are among those who have successfully completed the Ironman Triathlon.”
The fifth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa was flagged off on Sunday by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant from Miramar Beach. The event saw participation from over 1,300 triathletes representing 31 countries, marking a 20 per cent increase from last year.
The triathlon comprised a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling leg, and 21.1 km run, covering scenic routes through Goa’s coastline and heritage areas. Spectators lined the route, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the race.
Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov won the men’s category with a time of 4:25:47, while Ellie Garrett from the United Kingdom claimed the women’s title, finishing in 5:18:43. The Indian Air Force contingent dominated the relay category, securing all three podium positions.
Among Indian participants, BJP leaders Tejasvi Surya and K. Annamalai successfully completed the triathlon. This was Surya’s second consecutive Ironman finish.
The event also featured participation by public figures including actress Saiyami Kher, who served as the race ambassador, and Olympian swimmer Sandeep Sejwal, who took part in the relay category with teammates from the Inspire Institute of Sport.
The event also included the IRONKIDS race, where over 900 children participated, highlighting growing youth engagement in fitness and endurance sports.
Race Director Deepak Raj said the event’s growing scale and international participation reaffirm Goa’s position as a leading destination for endurance sports in Asia.
(With agency inputs)