Kerala’s rich sports history and the increasing fitness culture are highlighted by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya as crucial for India’s journey to becoming a global sporting force. Speaking at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 Fun Run in Thiruvananthapuram on International Olympic Day, Mandaviya emphasized Kerala’s significant role in India’s sports success, noting the state’s past champions like P. T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, and P. R. Sreejesh.
The event, which marked India’s first participation under the Olympic Council of Asia’s Asian Games for All initiative, showcased the state’s passion for sports and its potential contributions to the upcoming Asian Games. Mandaviya praised Kerala for nurturing champions and fostering a strong sporting culture, with 115 athletes, including 69 women, supported under the Khelo India program and 17 athletes from the state part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.
Mandaviya also participated in the Cycling by the Sea event organized by the Sports Authority of India in line with the Fit India Movement, emphasizing the role of cycling in promoting a healthy and prosperous nation. Stressing the importance of fitness for national development, he highlighted cycling’s benefits in enhancing health, reducing pollution, easing traffic congestion, and conserving fuel.
The Minister commended the expansion of the Sundays on Cycle initiative, which has grown from 200 to 10,000 locations with nearly two lakh participants, underscoring the increasing popularity and impact of cycling in promoting fitness and sustainability. Mandaviya shared India’s sporting aspirations, mentioning the country’s successful bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its submission for the 2036 Olympics, aiming to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and the top five by 2047.
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar emphasized the need for India to prepare for its Olympic dreams, expressing confidence in the country’s growing sporting prowess through upcoming international events. Indian Olympic Association president P. T. Usha highlighted sports’ unifying power and the special message conveyed by the Fun Run ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
