Minister Vishwas Kailash : Private and government universities will also join the marathon
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang held discussions with officials from private and government universities regarding the upcoming Army Marathon scheduled for January 19. He encouraged university youth and faculty to participate in the marathon, emphasizing the importance of staying fit. Shri Sarang also urged the residents of Bhopal to join the event in large numbers to promote health.
Marathon will be held in three categories
Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang urged all to run with the Indian Army for a Clean India, Green India, and Fit India. He highlighted that the event symbolizes endurance, determination, and victory while promoting the Government of India’s Fit India, unity, and patriotism campaign under the motto “Fit India, Run with Indian Army.” The marathon will feature three categories: 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km, with a minimal registration fee. Participants will receive T-shirts and certificates, and institutions and universities will also be awarded certificates and mementos. The marathon will start and finish at Dronachal in Bhopal, covering a route via VIP Road. Shri Sarang urged university officials to promote the event extensively on social media to encourage widespread participation.
The Army has an important role in our security
Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang said that we are safe at home and in the country, Army has an important contribution to this. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has asked to publicly express the feeling of respect towards the army and soldiers for this. An important set-up of the Army is also established in Bhopal. Citizens can express cooperation and respect through the Army Marathon. Shri Sarang called for maximum participation, stating that the marathon could create history by demonstrating unity, patriotism, and widespread community involvement.
Promotion of Culture of Fitness
Army Major General Shri Sumit Kabthiyaal said the state government and Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang were supporting in organizing the Army Marathon. He highlighted that the event will promote a culture of fitness, raise health awareness, and encourage people to stay active. He noted that the marathon route through Dronachal would also provide participants with insights into the history of battles and the sacrifices of martyrs. Major General Kabthiyaal mentioned that around 600 NCC cadets have already registered for the event and emphasized that the marathon is open to all, encouraging families and friends to join.
Prizes up to Rs 10 lakh
The Army Marathon is scheduled to begin at 6 am with around 12 thousand participants expected to compete across the three race categories. The event offers attractive sponsored prizes along with cash prizes totaling up to Rs 10 lakh. Cash prizes of Rs 5,30,000 will be given to the winners of different categories in the half marathon, Rs 2,64,000 will be given to the winners of different categories in 10 km and Rs 1,87,000 in 5 km. Participants can register on www.armymarathonbhopal.com. For further details, they can contact 62690-33347.
The Army Marathon Bhopal 2025, organized by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Indian Army, commemorates Army Day on January 15. This annual event honours the historic day in 1949 when General KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. The marathon aims to bring together armed forces personnel, local communities, and sports enthusiasts in a celebration of fitness, patriotism, and unity. Starting in Bhopal, it is the first sporting event held under the aegis of HQ West MP Sub Area. The initiative seeks to establish the Army Marathon as a prominent event in the sports world and a significant addition to the annual marathon calendar, aligning with the Fit India Movement.
Brigadier S.S. Chillar Army Medal, Colonel Vishal Ahuja, Colonel Rajesh Nayak, Joint Director Shri B.S. Yadav, and officials of private and government universities located in Bhopal were present at the meeting.
