Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, cricketer Shikhar Dhawan flag off Gurugram marathon

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, February 25

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and renowned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan jointly flagged off the Gurugram Marathon 2024 on Sunday.

Under the theme ‘Run for Zero Hunger’, the marathon witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 35,000 persons, spanning across diverse age groups, including school and university students, as well as youth and senior citizens.

Impressed by the resounding success of the marathon, Khattar announced that going forward, the Gurugram Marathon would become an annual affair, scheduled to be held on the last Sunday of February each year. Additionally, to sustain the fervour and awareness surrounding this event, small-scale events would be organised every month, he added.

Expressing his delight at the massive turnout, Khattar lauded it as a testament to the growing brand image of Gurugram, also known as the Millennium City, and as a manifestation of the confidence in the future harboured by the younger generation.

Following the event, Khattar addressed the media, revealing plans for a similar marathon to be hosted in Faridabad on March 3. He highlighted Haryana’s rich sporting heritage and emphasised the role of such events in promoting a healthy lifestyle and combating social issues at the grassroots level.

The Gurugram Marathon attained international recognition as athletes from various Indian states and nations such as Britain and Ethiopia showcased their athletic prowess. Notably, the marathon route received certification from World Athletics and the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS), thereby elevating the stature of the Gurugram Marathon to an international level.

Khattar concluded the event by personally awarding winners across various categories, including the full marathon, half marathon and 10-km run, presenting them with the designated prizes as a token of recognition for their outstanding achievements.

On the sidelines of the marathon, Khattar also inaugurated the ‘Savera’ programme aimed at early screening and detection of breast cancer cases in women. He emphasised that this pioneering initiative is the first of its kind in the country, focusing on detecting breast cancer in its early stages among women.

While discussing the government’s initiatives for cancer prevention, the Chief Minister highlighted significant developments. He mentioned the establishment of the National Cancer Institute-AIIMS in Jhajjar, equipped with 1,000 beds. Additionally, he informed people about the Atal Cancer Care Centre established in Ambala district, dedicated to the treatment of cancer patients. Moreover, he stated that cancer treatment and research were also being conducted at PGIMS, Rohtak.

Accelerator programme Inaugurated

• Highlighting the significant contribution of tourism in the economy, the Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said there was substantial scope for entrepreneurship within the tourism sector.
• He made these remarks while inaugurating the OYO Accelerator programme in Gurugram on Sunday.
• Commending the Aarambh Accelerator programme initiated by OYO to foster new entrepreneurs, he expressed confidence that this initiative would effectively promote and support budding entrepreneurs.
• The Haryana CM also distributed cheques totalling Rs 55 lakh in financial assistance to three youths as part of the programme.

To be an annual affair

The Gurugram Marathon will become an annual affair and will be held on the last Sunday of February each year. Additionally, small-scale events will be organised every month to sustain the fervour and awareness surrounding this event. — Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana Chief Minister

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