A 3-kilometre ‘Viksit Bharat’ (‘Developed India’) run took place at the Ashgabat Olympic Sports Complex. The event was organised by the Indian Embassy in Turkmenistan as part of the “Swacchata Hi Seva Campaign-2026” environmental initiative, according to IIC of Turkmenistan.

Representatives of the Indian diaspora, Indian nationals and residents of Turkmenistan took part in the sporting event. The run was opened by Bandaru Wilsonbabu, India’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan.

The event was dedicated to the 157th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth. Participants emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle, environmental awareness and civic engagement.

Following the race, the winners and runners-up in both the men’s and women’s categories received commemorative medals and certificates of honour from the Ambassador.

The official part of the event concluded with the participants jointly reciting the ‘Viksit Bharat Pledge’. The pledge expresses a commitment to promoting India’s development and achieving the goal of transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047, when the 100th anniversary of its independence will be celebrated.

Following the sporting programme, traditional Indian snacks were served to the guests. The Embassy also reaffirmed its intention to continue developing humanitarian ties between India and Turkmenistan on the basis of mutual respect and the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (‘The world is one family’).