HYROX and Ironman to Hit Gujarat: DyCM Announces Mega Sports Events
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi announces HYROX in Gandhinagar and Ironman in Ahmedabad as part of Gujarat Tourism Year 2026-27.
Gujarat is gearing up to become a premier destination for international sports enthusiasts. During a celebration of World Tourism Day at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced that the state will host two massive global fitness competitions: the fast-growing HYROX event and the prestigious Ironman/Half-Ironman.
These announcements come as part of the state's ambitious initiative to celebrate 2026-27 as ‘Gujarat Tourism Year’, aiming to blend high-octane sports with cultural tourism.
HYROX Set to Storm Gandhinagar This November
The global fitness phenomenon, HYROX, is scheduled to take place in Gandhinagar from November 26 to 28. This event is expected to draw a massive crowd, with officials anticipating more than 10,000 participants, including a significant contingent of over 1,000 international athletes.
Speaking to reporters, Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi expressed his excitement about welcoming the global fitness community to the state. He noted that while HYROX has previously been hosted in major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, Gujarat is working hard to establish itself as a favorite destination for these athletes.
To ensure a world-class experience, the state government is coordinating closely with Team HYROX India on logistics. The government also plans to enhance the athlete experience through:
- Comprehensive entertainment and cultural programs.
- Special ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ evening sessions organized by the Tourism Corporation to showcase local culture.
- Robust logistical support for the massive influx of participants.
Ironman Coming to Ahmedabad
The momentum for sports tourism continues with the announcement of an Ironman/Half-Ironman event, set to take place in Ahmedabad on February 14. This move is designed to further cement Gujarat's reputation as a global hub for endurance sports and international tourism.
A Vision for 'Gujarat Tourism Year'
Beyond sports, the Deputy CM unveiled the official logo for ‘Gujarat Tourism Year’ and outlined a comprehensive roadmap to transform the state's tourism landscape. He emphasized that the success of this initiative relies on the collective effort of all stakeholders, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
Key Tourism Initiatives Announced:
- Modernizing Spiritual Hubs: Major development works are underway at iconic destinations such as Somnath, Ambaji, Pavagadh, and Dwarka.
- New Homestay Policy: 100 selected villages will receive modern homestays designed to preserve their traditional character, promoting rural tourism.
- Cinematic Tourism: To promote Gujarat as a film destination, the ‘Gujarat Film Shooting Permission Portal’ has been launched to streamline the permission process through a single-window digital system.
- Skill Development: The government aims to train more than 1,000 new tour guides to create local employment.
- Financial Support: The state is considering gap funding for tour operators to help attract foreign tourists to unique festivals like Kawant Holi, Uttarayan, and Navratri.
Deputy CM Sanghavi urged all service providers to focus on cleanliness, health, and soft-spoken skills to ensure that every visitor, whether domestic or international, leaves with a memorable impression of Gujarat.