On 30 September, a mass 3 km run took place in the Olympic Village of Ashgabat. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

The event was attended by representatives of the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports, the diplomatic corps, the Indian diaspora, city residents and amateur athletes. The event was organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan.

The event was part of the international Viksit Bharat Run 2025 campaign, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and strengthening solidarity. This initiative is linked to the national programme ‘Viksit Bharat’ (‘Developed India’), which aims to achieve the country's full development by 2047. In 2025, India will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of its independence.

The race in Ashgabat brought together participants of all ages, highlighting the value of sport and friendly ties between India and Turkmenistan. As noted by Ganesh Haloi, Counsellor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan, similar events were held in more than 150 cities around the world this year. The Diplomat thanked the Turkmen government for supporting the initiative.