Kerala, India, June 23, 2026: Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha believed the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Fun Run in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala on Tuesday, June 23 would inspire the next generation of champions in India.
Speaking before the Fun Run, which heralds the 20th Asian Games as well as doubling up as celebrations for International Olympic Day, legendary track star Usha harked back to her own experiences, saying the event would make deep impressions on young minds.
“I am reminded of my own journey as a young girl who simply loved to run. I could never have imagined where that journey would take me. Sport gave me confidence, purpose and opportunities that changed my life forever. That is why occasions like this are so important,” Usha noted.
India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was among the massive turnout of more than 40,000 for the first ever Asian Games Fun Run in India.
Other dignitaries included OCA Deputy Director General Vinod Kumar Tiwari, IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer, representatives from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee, Manami Okumura and Yoshiaki Taguchi, and the President of the Kerala Olympic Association, V. Sunil Kumar.
Usha added: “Among the thousands gathered here today may be future Olympians, Asian Games champions, national champions, role models for generations to come. More importantly I see young people learning values that will stay with them throughout their lives.”
The event, organised by the Kerala Olympic Association in conjunction with the OCA and AINAGOC, drew huge crowds of students, local and national athletes, youth volunteers and members of the general public.
To coincide with Olympic Day, a nationwide tree planting drive was also initiated.
