‘Such events contribute towards Fit India movement’: PM Modi congratulates participants in IRONMAN 70.3

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his delight at the increased participation of India’s youth in events like Ironman 70.3, which was held in Goa and congratulated the participants in the race.

“Glad to see increased participation by our youth in events like Ironman 70.3, which was held in Goa today. Such events contribute towards #FitIndia movement,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part. Delighted that two of our young Party colleagues, Annamalai and Tejasvi Surya, are among those who have successfully completed the Ironman Triathlon,” he added.

The fifth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa began spectacularly earlier in the day, as Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant flagged off the race from the iconic Miramar Beach.

Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Deepak Raj, Race Director, IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, Saiyami Kher, Actress and Race Weekend Ambassador, IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, Neil D’Silva, IRONMAN 70.3 Goa Event Director and Sunil Morajkar, among others, also flagged off the race.

Over 1,300 triathletes from 31 countries plunged into the Arabian Sea, marking yet another milestone for the event, which has now welcomed athletes from 62 nations across its five editions, according to a press release.

Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov stormed to victory in the men’s category, completing the course in 4:25:47.

UK’s Ellie Garrett clinched the women’s title with a commanding finish in 5:18:43. The Indian Air Force contingent dominated the relay event, sweeping all three podium positions with remarkable ease.

The course challenged athletes with a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling leg, and a 21.1 km run, weaving through scenic coastal stretches and Goa’s heritage-lined avenues. Alongside them, hundreds of supporters gathered across the route, transforming the city into a sea of cheers, energy, and colour. The atmosphere reinforced Goa’s growing reputation as one of Asia’s most stunning and athlete-friendly IRONMAN destinations.

In a heartwarming highlight, women’s champion Ellie Garrett raced alongside her husband, Tom Garrett, who finished eighth overall with a time of 4:51:37. The couple, who have completed over 30 half-distance and 10 full-distance IRONMAN races worldwide, chose to forgo their World Championship qualification slots this year to experience the unique charm of racing in Goa. Tom, now a full-time triathlon coach, and Ellie, a physiotherapist who supports his training programs, described the event as one of their most memorable race experiences.

Adding to the weekend’s festivities, Olympian swimmer-turned-coach Sandeep Sejwal teamed up with his colleagues from the Inspire Institute of Sport, Rishab Chauhan and Makarand Mane, to compete in the relay category. The trio finished 140th with a time of 6:07:06.

Meanwhile, Member of Lok Sabha Tejasvi Surya conquered IRONMAN 70.3 GOA, INDIA for the second consecutive year, joined by K. Annamalai, who became only the second Indian politician to earn the coveted title of IRONMAN.

The spirit of the event extended beyond the main race, as more than 900 young participants took part in the IRONKIDS race on Saturday, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and the promise of the next generation of triathletes to Goa’s vibrant shores. (ANI)