Thiruvananthapuram, June 23 (IANS) Kerala’s sporting legacy and growing fitness culture will play a key role in India’s journey towards becoming a global sporting power, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said here on Tuesday.

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’s sporting landscape and can contribute significantly to the country’s success at the upcoming Asian Games.

The event marked the first programme in India under the Olympic Council of Asia’s Asian Games for All initiative.

“Kerala has produced champions and has a deep-rooted passion for sports. The enthusiasm witnessed here reflects the sporting culture of the state,” he said, recalling the achievements of icons such as P. T. Usha, Anju Bobby George, and P. R. Sreejesh.

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.

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.

“A healthy nation can only be built through healthy citizens,” he said, adding that cycling promotes fitness, reduces pollution, eases traffic congestion, and conserves fuel.

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.

The Minister joined the cycling rally from Chacka ITI to Shanghumukham Beach along with ASHA workers, Kudumbashree members, athletes, and cycling enthusiasts.

Speaking about India’s 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.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said India must prepare itself to realise its Olympic dream, expressing confidence that performances at upcoming international events would underline the country’s growing sporting strength.

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.

–IANS

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