Aizawl: The second edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) will be held on February 14, with the event expected to attract a larger and more diverse field of runners and give a boost to Mizoram’s growing sports tourism sector, Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference, Hmar said this year’s marathon will be bigger in scale, with a deeper talent pool and increased participation from across the country.
The race will start and finish at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.
The inaugural edition, held in April last year, drew around 1,500 participants from different parts of India.
“With the recent expansion of the railway network to Sairang near Aizawl, we anticipate record-breaking participation of athletes and spectators from across the country,” the minister said.
He said the AIHM plays a key role in promoting public health while also showcasing Mizoram’s rich cultural heritage.
“The AIHM is not just a sporting event but a major platform to project Mizoram on the global stage. It has become a permanent feature on the tourism calendar, aimed at showcasing the state’s natural beauty and warm hospitality,” Hmar said.
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He added that professional athletes from several foreign countries are expected to participate in the marathon, which offers a total prize pool of more than Rs 15 lakh.
