Chandigarh- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that with the new resolution everyone has to take steps towards cleanliness and strive to realize the vision of a prosperous environment. Today's Half Marathon organized in Faridabad is dedicated to the theme of Swachh Haryana-Swachh Bharat.
The Chief Minister interacted directly with thousands of participants present at the Surajkund Fairground in Faridabad while flagging off various categories of marathon including the Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and the marathon for the differently-abled individuals. He also felicitated the winners of the Half Marathon, 10 km, and 5 km categories, as well as the participants.
The Chief Minister, dedicating the Faridabad Half Marathon to Swachh Haryana-Swachh Bharat, emphasized that cleanliness is an integral part of our lives. He stressed that maintaining cleanliness around us also ensures good health.
Half Marathon becomes annual event of Faridabad, announcement of making first Sunday of October-Happy SundayChief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal during his interaction with the thousands of participants at the Faridabad Half Marathon announced that similar to the Full Marathon event organized in Gurugram every last Sunday of February, now in the future, Faridabad will also host the Faridabad Half Marathon on the first Sunday of October. He mentioned that these annual events in both cities, held at a six-month interval, will serve positive purposes, delivering meaningful messages to every section of society. Moreover, a framework will be prepared to organize such events in other major cities of the state.
The Chief Minister, while addressing the enthusiastic crowd gathered in Faridabad district for the Half Marathon, informed them about the Haryana government's plan to launch a new program to encourage talented youth who excel in various fields. He inaugurated a poster related to the ‘Haryana Gaurav’ programme from the main stage, stating that it will be the biggest talent hunt program of Haryana, commencing from May onwards. This program will provide a strong platform for showcasing the skills of hidden talents across different regions of Haryana.
CM Haryana urged everyone to take inspiration from the Prime Minister's Fit India Movement and yoga, stating that if the youth of the country stay fit, the future of the nation will be bright. He highlighted the impact of yoga, gaining international recognition since 2015, on improving mental well-being and leading people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. He also mentioned the efforts of the Haryana government in organizing various activities such as Raahgiri, cyclothons, and marathons to raise awareness among people, keeping them stress-free and away from social evils.
The Chief Minister's active participation in events that convey meaningful messages to society was evident during the Faridabad Half Marathon. After flagging off the thousands of participants in the 10 km marathon category and 5 km fun run category, Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal himself reached the marathon track in an open jeep and encouraged the runners.
Despite the rain on Sunday morning, the Half Marathon held at Surajkund saw a massive turnout of participants. The well-organized arrangements by the district administration ensured high spirits among the runners. The event witnessed the participation of over 50, 000 runners across different categories, with an additional 15 to 20 thousand spectators attending various events associated with the marathon.
In the half marathon, Boxer & Padma Bhushan awardee Mary Kom and International Shooter Manu Bhaker also boosted the morale of the participants from the stage. Mary Kom urged the youth to aim high in life, stating that success in difficult struggles becomes easy, and it can be achieved through hard work. She expressed gratitude to the state government for the successful organization of the program under the leadership of Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Lal, which is promoting sports and marathons to encourage the younger generation towards sports. Arjuna Award-winning shooter Manu Bhaker encouraged youth to participate in such events. She said that India is progressing in every field, including sports, and emphasized the importance of being physically fit.
In the half marathon organized in Surajkund, 90-year-old Shankari Devi participated in the 5-km Fun Run marathon, showcasing her healthy lifestyle. Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal honored the participant elderly woman Shankari Devi on the stage. He said that the spirit of youth enthusiasm does not diminish with age, and the elderly Shankari Devi has also proved this by covering a distance of 5 km. He called her an inspiration for youth power.
Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal also honored winners under various category. Ravi Gulia stood first in the men's half marathon and won a prize of Rs. 1 lakh. Prashant Choudhary, who stood second, got a prize of Rs. 75 thousand. Ajay Kumar stood third in this category, who was honoured by the Chief Minister with an award of Rs. 50 thousand. Runners showed their strength in the women's category as well. Fulasa Chaltu, a resident of Ethiopia, stood first in the half marathon and won a prize of Rs. 1 lakh. In the same category, Sonika and Munni Devi were honored by the Chief Minister with prizes of Rs. 75 thousand and Rs. 50 thousand for securing second and third place respectively. In the 10 kilometer category, among those who received honors from the Chief Minister, in the men's category, Abhishek stood first, Pradeep stood second and Ashwin stood third. In the same category, in the women's category, Rima Patel, Ruby and Pooja secured first, second and third position respectively. During this, the Chief Minister honored Divyang Anil, who was the winner under the special category, with a prize of Rs. 10, 000.
At the event, along with Union Minister, Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana's Higher Education and Transport Minister, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma, MLA of Badkhal, Smt. Seema Trikha, MLA of Faridabad, Sh. Narender Gupta, MLA of Tigaon Rajesh Nagar, MLA of Prithla Nayan Pal Rawat, besides other dignitaries such DC, Faridabad, Sh. Vikram Singh, Police Commissioner, Sh. Rakesh Arya, and other senior officers were present