PT Usha highlights Olympic Day Fun Run, green initiative ahead of Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026
Thiruvananthapuram, June 4
Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha on Thursday highlighted the significance of the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run and outlined a nationwide tree plantation campaign planned as part of Olympic Day celebrations later this month.
Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Usha said Olympic Day, observed annually on June 23, is aimed at promoting the core values of the Olympic movement while encouraging people to adopt healthy and active lifestyles.
"Olympic Day, celebrated on June 23rd, commemorates the founding of the modern Olympic movement. It promotes the values of excellence, friendship, and respect while encouraging people of all ages to embrace sports and healthy living," Usha said.
She added that alongside the global Olympic Run organised every year across different countries, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has planned a special Fun Run to generate awareness about the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
"Apart from the global Olympic Run organised worldwide every year, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is also organising a special Fun Run this time. This initiative is for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to generate public awareness. This event is taking place in India right here in Trivandrum, and all our Indian Olympic Association executive members are participating in this meet," she said.
Usha also announced a large-scale environmental initiative that will coincide with the Olympic Day celebrations. According to the IOA chief, 2,036 trees will be planted across the country, symbolically marking the year of the next Asian Games.
"On the same day, we are going to undertake a tree plantation drive, planting 2,036 trees. Across all states, they will plant 2,036 trees in their respective regions--covering every district, university, school, municipality, corporation, and panchayat. This is the green initiative we are going to execute on the 23rd," she said.
The Fun Run and plantation drive form part of efforts to build public engagement and awareness ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. India will be making its 20th appearance at the continental multi-sport event.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some tangible work beyond just press conferences! The Fun Run in Trivandrum is great but I wish they'd hold similar events in other metros too. Olympic values like excellence and friendship need to reach small towns and villages, not just cities. Still, appreciate the effort. 👍
As someone who loves both sports and the environment, this is wonderful! The OCA Fun Run combined with tree planting makes the Olympic Day more meaningful. Though I'm curious--will the 2036 trees be maintained properly after planting? Often such drives lose momentum later.
PT Usha is doing commendable work as IOA president. Bringing the Asian Games Fun Run to India shows global recognition. But I hope we also focus on grassroots sports development--more academies, coaches, and facilities. The Green initiative is nice but let's not forget our athletes need real support. 🏃♀️
Impressive scale--planting trees across every district, university, and panchayat. That's real coordination. But I remember similar drives during the Commonwealth Games that fizzled out. Hope the IOA has a monitoring plan in place. Actions speak louder than press releases.
Love that they're combining sports with environmental consciousness! Olympic Day should be about more than just medals. The Fun Run in Trivandrum is a great start but I wish they'd also host it in smaller cities like Mysuru or Kochi to spread the Olympic spirit wider. Still, well done PT Usha! 🌍💪
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