IRONMAN Group and Yoska Collaborate with Indian Government to Boost Endurance Sports

Partnership to Enhance the Fit India Movement

The IRONMAN Group, in collaboration with Yoska, is joining forces with the Government of India to promote the Fit India Movement by developing endurance sports events throughout the nation.

Initiated in 2019 by Prime Minister Modi, the Fit India Movement aims to integrate physical activity, sports, and balanced nutrition into daily routines, as highlighted in a recent press release.

Both organizations share a vision to foster healthier, more active communities across India, encourage youth participation in sports, position India as a premier destination for high-caliber sporting events, and support the growth of endurance sports.

As part of their collaboration, representatives from The IRONMAN Group and Yoska met with Union Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya to draft a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Government's Sports Department, focusing on the development and expansion of endurance sporting events. The partnership aims to enhance the delivery and growth of IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3, and UTMB trail running events across various Indian states to boost national participation.

The IRONMAN Group stands as the largest global operator of participation sports, hosting hundreds of events in over 50 countries. Their portfolio includes IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons, UTMB World Series trail running events, road running, mountain biking, and multisport competitions. Since the inaugural IRONMAN event in Hawai'i in 1978, millions of athletes have crossed finish lines worldwide, embodying the belief that 'Anything is Possible.'

The IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon made its debut in India in 2019 with approximately 1,000 participants. The community has since flourished, with the sixth edition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Goa triathlon expected to attract over 2,000 participants, doubling the initial turnout. Additionally, the race will expand to include IRONMAN 70.3 Ahmedabad in 2027, along with further IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons and UTMB World Series trail running events in the pipeline.

Indian participation in these events has surged, with the number of athletes competing in IRONMAN triathlons worldwide more than doubling since 2018, and IRONMAN 70.3 participation increasing nearly sevenfold. Participation in UTMB World Series events is also witnessing robust early growth.

Michelle Pepper, Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group Asia-Pacific, remarked, 'India has been one of the most inspiring stories for The IRONMAN Group. We started with around 1,000 athletes at the first IRONMAN 70.3 Goa, and the sixth edition will welcome over 2,000 competitors. This growth reflects the community's passion, and we are thrilled to promote how endurance sports can motivate more individuals to lead active lives. We are excited to collaborate with Yoska in support of the Fit India Movement and look forward to establishing a lasting partnership.'

Deepak Raj, CEO & Founder of Yoska, stated, 'The IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon began in India in 2019 with about 1,000 participants. This weekend, the sixth edition in Goa will see double that number, and we are eager to introduce IRONMAN 70.3 Ahmedabad next year. The Fit India Movement encourages more individuals to take their first steps towards an active lifestyle, and we aim to contribute to this cause. Collaborating with The IRONMAN Group on a detailed MoU is a significant step towards making endurance sports more accessible across the nation.'