Tag: fitness

Events in Goa

Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov and UK’s Ellie Garrett Triumph at IRONMAN 70.3 Goa 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The fifth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, India began in breathtaking fashion as the sun rose over Miramar Beach, with the Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, officially flagging off the event. Alongside him were Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Deepak Raj, Race Director, Saiyami Kher, Actress and Race Ambassador, and Neil D’Silva, Event Director. The event saw more than 1,300 triathletes from 31 countries dive into the Arabian Sea to begin their quest for one of the most challenging and scenic endurance races in Asia.

Uzbekistan’s Konstantin Belousov delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s title with a time of 4:25:47, while the United Kingdom’s Ellie Garrett claimed the women’s crown, finishing in 5:18:43. The Indian Air Force contingent dominated the relay category, sweeping all three podium positions.

The triathlon tested participants through a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling leg, and a 21.1 km run, winding through Goa’s heritage-lined streets and coastal beauty. Thousands of spectators lined the route, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captured the energy and inclusivity of the IRONMAN spirit.

In a memorable highlight, women’s champion Ellie Garrett competed alongside her husband, Tom Garrett, who finished eighth overall. The couple, veterans of more than 30 half and 10 full-distance IRONMAN races, praised Goa’s course and community for its warmth and enthusiasm. Ellie described the race as “the hardest 70.3 I’ve ever done, but also the most stunning,” while Tom said, “The people, the place, the food, the weather — everything’s exceeded our expectations.”

Adding to the weekend’s excitement, Olympian swimmer-turned-coach Sandeep Sejwal and his colleagues from the Inspire Institute of Sport participated in the relay event, while political leaders Tejasvi Surya and K. Annamalai completed the triathlon, joining the ranks of Indian IRONMAN finishers.

The spirit of sportsmanship extended beyond the main event, with over 900 children participating in the Policybazaar IRONKIDS race, representing the promise of India’s next generation of athletes.

With participants from 62 countries across five editions, IRONMAN 70.3 Goa continues to strengthen Goa’s global identity as a hub for wellness, endurance, and world-class sporting excellence.

Events in Goa

Dr. Pramod Sawant Flags Off IRONMAN 70.3 Goa 2025 — A Global Celebration of Endurance and Unity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant officially flagged off IRONMAN 70.3 Goa 2025, marking the beginning of India’s biggest international triathlon and a proud moment for the state of Goa. The event, now in its fifth edition, has become a symbol of endurance, camaraderie, and the spirit of global sportsmanship. This year, more than 1,300 athletes from 31 countries gathered on the scenic shores of Goa to take part in the demanding challenge that combines swimming, cycling, and running in one of the most picturesque sporting backdrops in the world.

In his address, Dr. Sawant extended a warm welcome on behalf of the people of Goa to all participants, officials, and guests who had traveled from across India and abroad. He highlighted Goa’s growing reputation as not only a leisure destination but also a center for wellness, sport, and active living. He commended the dedication and professionalism of the organisers, Yoska and the IRONMAN India team, whose tireless efforts have helped transform the event into a globally recognized sporting festival.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by several prominent figures including Shri Tejasvi Surya, Shri Annamalai, Ms. Saiyami Kher, and Shri Deepak Raj, who joined in encouraging the athletes as they embarked on the grueling challenge. Dr. Sawant expressed his admiration for every participant’s commitment and resilience, wishing them strength, focus, and determination throughout their journey.

As IRONMAN 70.3 Goa 2025 unfolds, it stands as a testament to the power of human endurance and the unifying force of sport, showcasing Goa’s evolution into a thriving destination that celebrates fitness, adventure, and the indomitable human spirit.

Events in Goa

Goa to Host Landmark Fifth Edition of IRONMAN 70.3 India with 1,300 Athletes from 31 Countries

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is all set to host the landmark fifth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 GOA, India, beginning 9th November, drawing close to 1,300 participants from 31 countries. Since its inception, the event has attracted athletes from 62 nations, establishing Goa as a global destination for triathlon and endurance sports. The race, which combines a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and 21.1 km run, challenges both amateur and professional athletes, showcasing their strength, resilience, and spirit.

Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, highlighted that hosting the event reflects Goa’s commitment to promoting itself as a hub for international sports tourism, beyond its traditional identity as a leisure destination. “The growing number of countries and athletes participating each year highlights the global confidence in Goa’s ability to deliver world-class sporting experiences,” he said.

Deepak Raj, Founder of Yoska and Country Head of IRONMAN India, expressed pride in reaching the fifth edition, noting that the journey from a handful of dreamers in 2019 to athletes from 31 nations today underscores Goa’s position as the home of IRONMAN in India. He emphasized the community and passion shown by the triathlon fraternity that has fueled this growth.

Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India, spoke on the alignment of the event with the brand’s values, emphasizing dedication, preparation, proper nutrition, and the celebration of fitness that goes beyond the finish line. Actor and race ambassador Saiyami Kher also shared her excitement, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges of endurance and the inspiring global community that gathers each year.

Organised by Yoska in collaboration with the Government of Goa and IRONMAN, the race will start at the Miramar beachfront, continuing its legacy as one of India’s most scenic and inclusive endurance events. Since its global inception in 1978, IRONMAN has grown into a worldwide phenomenon with over 150 events in more than 50 countries, engaging over 300,000 participants annually. Yoska, headquartered in Bengaluru, has been instrumental in bringing international fitness events to India, offering local athletes a platform for global competitive opportunities.

Sports

Goa to Host 14th Acrobatic Gymnastics Asian Championships 2025 – India’s First

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to make history as it hosts the 14th Acrobatic Gymnastics Asian Championships 2025 from October 31 to November 2 at the Peddem Indoor Stadium, Mapusa. For the first time in India, this prestigious international sporting event will bring together the finest acrobatic gymnasts from across Asia, showcasing their artistry, strength, and teamwork over three days of thrilling competition.

The championship will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside senior officials including Shri Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Government of Goa; Dr. Ajay R. Gaude, Director of Sports & Youth Affairs, Goa and Executive Director, Sports Authority of Goa; Ms. Aigul Dukenbayeva, AGU Technical President; Shri Sudhir Mital, President of the Gymnastics Federation of India; and Shri Dr. C. Prabhakar, Vice President, Gymnastics Federation of India, along with top international officials, coaches, and athletes. The event has received support from the Honorable Sports Minister of Goa Shri Ramesh Tawadkar.

The championship promises an electrifying display of balance, coordination, and creativity, with athletes performing complex routines that require precision, power, and artistry. It also provides a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration among the gymnastics community across Asia.

Ms. Aigul Dukenbayeva, AGU Technical President, expressed her excitement, stating that the championships symbolize unity, artistry, and athletic excellence, and praised India and Goa for hosting the event. Shri Sudhir Mital, President of the Gymnastics Federation of India, described the event as a proud milestone that reinforces India’s commitment to nurturing gymnastics talent. Shri Dr. C. Prabhakar highlighted that the championship celebrates discipline, teamwork, and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy for young gymnasts in India.

The 14th Acrobatic Gymnastics Asian Championships 2025 marks a significant milestone for India in the international gymnastics arena. Goa, with its vibrant sporting culture and world-class infrastructure, is ready to welcome athletes, officials, and fans from across Asia for a truly unforgettable sporting spectacle.

Sports

15th SKF Goa River Marathon Gears Up to ‘Pace for Peace’ on December 14

Tanisha Cardozo

The 15th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon (SKF-GRM) is set to take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the scenic Chicalim Panchayat Ground in Goa. With its unique theme this year—“Pace for Peace”—the marathon is more than just a test of physical endurance; it is a symbolic stand for unity and harmony in an increasingly fractured world.

Organised by the Vasco Sports Club, the SKF-GRM is one of India’s most popular long-distance running events, drawing elite athletes, passionate amateurs, and fitness enthusiasts from across India and overseas. According to Vasco Sports Club president Nitin Bandekar, this year’s marathon is expected to witness a record participation of 7,500 runners. “The response this year was very heartening. Our event continues to generate significant revenues for the local tourism sector in Goa,” he said during a press conference.

Participants can choose from five distinct race categories tailored to various endurance levels: Full Marathon (42.2 km), 20 Miler (32 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, and 5 km. The total prize pool of ₹8 lakhs makes it an attractive proposition for serious competitors, while the scenic coastal course ensures it remains a bucket-list experience for first-timers.

The title sponsor, SKF India, continues its longstanding support of the event. “At SKF, we are proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Goa River Marathon – a celebration of endurance, community, and movement. GRM reflects our mission to fight friction and push boundaries, just like sport does,” said Mukund Vasudevan, Managing Director of SKF India (Industrial).

Beyond the race itself, the SKF-GRM offers runners the opportunity to compete on a global scale. Rakesh Unny, Secretary of the Vasco Sports Club, revealed that timing results from the SKF-GRM will be ranked by the Abbott World Marathon Majors, enabling qualifying runners to aim for elite global marathons such as those in London, Boston, New York, and Chicago.

Adding a unique flair to this year’s edition are two special events: a Carbohydrate Loading Dinner the night before the race to help runners fuel up, and a Post-Race Sports Festival Rave at 4 PM on race day to celebrate achievement and community.

The SKF Goa River Marathon has steadily grown to become more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of human spirit, resilience, and now, a message of peace. Registrations are currently open for all race categories, with thousands already signed up to take part in this historic event.

As the sun rises over Chicalim on December 14, thousands of feet will pound the earth not just for personal glory—but for peace, purpose, and the sheer joy of movement.