Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar Announces Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026 — Open to All Indians with a Prize Pool of Over ₹20 Lakh

New Delhi, Oct 2025: On Thursday, Sports and Youth Services Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar held a press conference at Mizoram House, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, to announce the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2026. He stated that the event will be held on February 14, 2026, and is expected to attract around 5,000 participants. The press conference was attended by members of the national media.

The Aizawl International Half Marathon, organized by the Sports & Youth Services Department in collaboration with Innovations India, was first successfully held in April 2025, with about 1,500 participants from Mizoram and other parts of India. Minister Hmar said that for 2026, the goal is to increase participation to 5,000 runners, especially encouraging more participants from outside the state. He added that this year’s press conference in Delhi was held to attract runners from across India.

Minister Hmar also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating the Sairang rail route on September 13, 2025, noting that the improved connectivity will make travel to Mizoram easier and boost participation in the marathon. “During AIHM 2025, travel to Mizoram was possible mainly by flight and road. But now, with the rail line operational, we expect many more runners from other states to join,” he said.

He announced that the total prize pool for AIHM 2026 will exceed ₹20 lakh, making it one of the most rewarding running events in Northeast India. He invited participants from all across India to visit Mizoram and take part in the marathon.

Encouraging runners and tourists, Minister Hmar said, “We want to introduce Mizoram to those who haven’t yet experienced it. Aizawl city is now easily accessible, and we are confident more visitors will come. Through this marathon, we aim to showcase Mizoram’s beauty and hospitality to the rest of the country.”

He also highlighted Mizoram’s potential as a vibrant tourist destination but admitted that limited connectivity and travel costs had previously posed challenges. “Now, with improved connectivity from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, travel has become much easier,” he said, inviting runners from across India to participate.

Pu Rahul Bali, Managing Director of Innovations India, mentioned that the Aizawl International Half Marathon is supported by the Athletics Federation of India. The 2026 edition will include multiple categories — Half Marathon (21.1 km), Open Race (10 km), Fun Run (5 km), along with Junior, Senior, and Veteran divisions.

Pu H. Lalhmingthanga, Director of the Sports & Youth Services Department, urged runners and sports enthusiasts from Mizoram to actively participate, adding that the department is working diligently to ensure the event’s success.

The press conference was chaired by Pu Alexander V. Chongthu, Resident Commissioner, Mizoram House, New Delhi. Also present were Lalnunthari Sitkil (IRS) and Lalramdinpuii Renthlei (IES), among other Mizo officers.