Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Around 500 participants came together at Miramar on Sunday for the “Mini Marathon for Nasha Mukt Yuva”, marking the first major public initiative of the newly formed Goa Olympic Association team led by President Sadanand Shet Tanavade.
The 5 km run began at Miramar Circle, continued towards Caranzalem Park and returned to the starting point. The event was organised as part of the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, 100 Sundays Campaign, in association with the Goa Olympic Association, MY Bharat and the Sports Authority of Goa.
The event focused on encouraging young people to embrace fitness, healthy living and a drug free lifestyle. Participants largely belonged to the 13 to 30 age group, while senior citizens and other enthusiasts also joined the run.
The morning also brought together several veterans of Goa’s sporting administration. Former Goa Olympic Association officials and sports administrators joined the new team, creating a strong sense of continuity and shared purpose.
Students and young participants from institutions including Kasturba Matoshri High School, Goa College of Engineering, National Institute of Water Sports, Kendriya Vidyalaya Bambolim, Pragati High School, Don Bosco Panjim and Goa University added significant energy to the event.
GOA Secretary General Sandeep Heble said the focus was on spreading the message rather than simply counting participants. The initiative also received support from more than 50 coordinators and volunteers who helped manage the event.
Medical teams from the Directorate of Health Services and Manipal Hospitals provided assistance, while Traffic Police and the Corporation of the City of Panaji supported traffic and civic arrangements.
The successful event marked an energetic beginning for the new Goa Olympic Association team, with a clear focus on bringing sports associations, athletes, students, volunteers and the wider community together to promote a healthier and more united sporting culture in Goa.
