Addressing participants after flagging off the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 Fun Run in Thiruvananthapuram on International Olympic Day, Mandaviya said Kerala has a special place in India\u2019s sporting landscape and can contribute significantly to the country\u2019s success at the upcoming Asian Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The event marked the first programme in India under the Olympic Council of Asia\u2019s Asian Games for All initiative.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKerala has produced champions and has a deep-rooted passion for sports. The enthusiasm witnessed here reflects the sporting culture of the state,\u201d he said, recalling the achievements of icons such as P. T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, and P. R. Sreejesh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mandaviya said 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also took part in the Cycling by the Sea event organised by the Sports Authority of India as part of the Fit India Movement. He said cycling would play an important role in building a healthy and developed nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cA healthy nation can only be built through healthy citizens,\u201d he said, adding that cycling promotes fitness, reduces pollution, eases traffic congestion, and conserves fuel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He highlighted the expansion of the Sundays on Cycle initiative, which began at 200 locations and has now grown to 10,000 locations with nearly two lakh participants.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Minister joined the cycling rally from Chacka ITI to Shanghumukham Beach along with ASHA workers, Kudumbashree members, athletes, and cycling enthusiasts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about India\u2019s sporting ambitions, Mandaviya said the country has secured the 2030 Commonwealth Games and submitted its bid for the 2036 Olympics. India, he said, aims to become one of the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and, by 2047, among the top five.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Minister joined the cycling rally from Chacka ITI to Shanghumukham Beach along with ASHA workers, Kudumbashree members, athletes, and cycling enthusiasts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Indian Olympic Association president P. T. Usha said sport has the power to unite people beyond barriers and that the Fun Run carried a special message ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n