PM Modi hails youth fitness surge as BJP leaders Tejasvi Surya, Annamalai conquer Ironman 70.3 Goa
Panaji, Nov 9 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his official X account to cheer on a record‑setting group of athletes at the fifth‑edition Ironman 70.3 Goa, part of the country’s #FitIndia movement. In a lively tweet, he congratulated over 1,300 participants from 31 nations who swam, biked and ran 113 km across Goa’s scenic coast.
Modi highlighted two young BJP leaders, Bengaluru‑South MP Tejasvi Surya and Tamil Nadu’s K Annamalai, who crossed the finish line. “I’m glad to see increased participation by our youth in events like Ironman 70.3, which was held in Goa today,” he wrote. “Such events contribute to #FitIndia.” The post earned more than 20,000 likes and 600 replies in just a few hours.
The race, kicked off by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant from Miramar Beach, drew a 20 % jump in competitors from last year. Runners tackled a 1.9 km swim in the Arabian Sea, a 90 km bike ride through coastal roads, and a tough 21.1 km run under the tropical sun. Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov won the men’s elite category in 4:25:47, while the UK’s Ellie Garrett topped the women’s field in 4:58:32. An Indian trio, veteran Ironman competitors, finished 140th overall after 6:07:06.
Surya, now the first elected official to finish an Ironman twice in Goa, posted, “A strong finish to my second Ironman 70.3, made special by doing it together with my brother @annamalai_k.” Annamalai, 40, became the second Indian politician to claim the title, showing how fitness can blend with public service. “Ironman 70.3 Goa is now Asia’s premier half‑distance showcase,” said race director Deepak Raj.
With the PM’s endorsement and the backing of celebrity ambassador Saiyami Kher, the event strengthens the #FitIndia narrative, linking elite endurance sports with grassroots health initiatives across India. The spirited finish saw athletes earn finisher jackets amid cheers, underscoring India’s growing reputation on the global fitness stage.
Source: ianslive
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