Guwahati, January 21, 2026: The second edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) — the biggest international sports event ever organised in Mizoram — was officially unveiled on Tuesday at a press conference held at Mizoram House, Guwahati. The marquee event is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2026 (Valentine’s Day) at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl.
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| Image Credit: DIPR Mizoram |
The press conference was attended by key dignitaries and stakeholders, including Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Services, Government of Mizoram; Rahul Bali, Bollywood filmmaker and Curator of AIHM; R. Lalrodingi, Director, Tourism Department, Government of Mizoram; and G. S. Arora, Brigadier and Group Commander, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Mizoram. Representatives from several leading supporting institutions were also present.
Addressing the media, the minister described the marathon as a landmark event for the state. He said the Aizawl International Half Marathon has grown into one of the largest international sporting events hosted by Mizoram, reflecting the government’s commitment to sports excellence, tourism development and youth empowerment, while showcasing the state’s potential on a global platform.
The stature of the event is further highlighted by its distinguished patrons, which include V. K. Singh, Governor of Mizoram; Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram; Varinder Vats, Director General, NCC; Anshul Gupta, former General Manager, Northeast Frontier Railway; and Anil Verma, Executive Director, Research Designs & Standards Organisation.
The Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026 is expected to attract participation from across India and several other countries, with over 5,000 runners anticipated — a significant increase from its inaugural edition. The event is accredited by the Athletics Federation of India and is supported by the National Cadet Corps, Sports Authority of India, Northeast Frontier Railway and several other premier institutions.
Speaking on the vision and expanding scale of the marathon, Captain Rahul Bali said that AIHM has evolved into a movement rather than just a race. He noted that with growing international participation, strong institutional backing and visionary leadership, the event is placing Mizoram firmly on the global marathon map while promoting fitness and unity.
Held under the theme “Connecting India, Developing Mizoram, Empowering Sports,” the marathon aims to promote national integration, strengthen sports culture and act as a catalyst for tourism-led growth. The choice of Valentine’s Day, organisers said, adds a symbolic dimension, promoting love, health and harmony through sport.
Tourism Director R. Lalrodingi highlighted the marathon’s role in positioning Mizoram as a sports tourism destination, especially with improved accessibility following rail connectivity linking the state with the rest of India, which is expected to significantly boost tourist inflow.
Brigadier G. S. Arora reaffirmed the NCC’s support for the event and stressed the importance of youth participation, discipline and community involvement in ensuring the success of AIHM 2026.
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Organisers also announced that the total prize money has been doubled from ₹10 lakh in 2025 to ₹20 lakh in 2026, making the event more attractive to both elite and amateur runners.
Registrations for the Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026 are now open, and interested participants can register online at www.aihm2026.com. With its scale, vision and international appeal, the event is expected to mark a defining milestone for Mizoram by blending sporting excellence, tourism promotion and a strong message of unity through sport.
