More than 40,000 people participated in the first-ever 2026 Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Tuesday under the Olympic Council of Asia’s “Asian Games for All” initiative. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event at the University Stadium.
The event was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha, Kerala Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O.J. Janeesh Kumar and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya described Kerala as a state that occupies a special place on India’s sporting map and praised its strong sporting culture and public participation.
Highlighting athlete development initiatives, the Union Minister said that 115 athletes from Kerala, including 69 women, are currently supported under the Khelo India programme, while 17 athletes from the state are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), receiving world-class training and support.
The Fun Run witnessed participation from students, athletes, sports associations and citizens from across the state. The programme also featured performances by the Indian Army Band, Zumba sessions, a bodybuilding showcase and demonstrations by yoga and gymnastics athletes.
Speaking about India’s sporting ambitions, the Sports Minister said the country has secured hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of making India one of the world’s top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and among the top five by 2047.
Expressing confidence ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, the minister said India is expected to achieve its best-ever performance, adding that athletes from Kerala will play an important role in the country’s medal campaign.
Following the Fun Run, a rally featuring roller skaters, electric scooters and Bullet motorcycles was organised with the participation of more than 1,000 children and youth. The celebrations concluded with a closing ceremony at the Central Stadium.
The event brought together students, coaches, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, armed forces personnel, police officials and members of the public, reaffirming Kerala’s position as one of India’s leading sporting states and promoting the values of fitness, sportsmanship and youth engagement.
