NEW DELHI,12.03.18-'Soldierathon’ aims to honour the sacrifices of the armed forces by raising funds for their rehabilitation and their children’s education.
The proceeds from the event will be donated to Indian Army’s Artificial Limb Centre (ALC), for specially abled/wounded soldiers to help them acquire state-of-the-art prosthesis at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, Pune, and for the education of martyrs’ children.
The brain behind the event, Major Surendra Poonia, Surendra Poonia is an international award-winning sportsman, Limca book record holder, physician and former Special Forces officer of the Indian Army. He is the first Indian athlete with the rare distinction of having won medals in power-lifting and athletic events in four consecutive world championships.President Awardee – Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), shares that the event was conceptualised under the guidance of former President of India, late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
“Ddr. Kalam had once said ‘Jo aadmi lad raha tha uski duty hain ki who ladey’ and we should be proud of the fellow. Dr. Kalam was very pro – education and he urged me to think about the future of soldiers’ children, ”he says, adding that this marathon is a strp in that direction.
“We owe a lot to our soldiers. Soldierathon is for all the soldiers – Those that are among us, and those that have sacrificed for the country. I’ll try and do a half-marathon,” says Kargil wae veteran and India’s first blade runner, Major DP Singh. Mahendra Mmalik from Rajasthan will run in the marathon in honour of his brother, Captain Sajjan Malik, Kirti Chakra, 10 Para (Special Forces), martyred in Kashmir fighting terrorists.
Other ambassadors to grace the event include Hhon. Capt Bana Singh, Param Vir Chakra, Param Vir Chakra Sub Major Yogendra Yadav (Kargil War), Param Vir Chakra Sub Sanjay Singh (Kargil War), Gautam Gambhir, cricketer, and Fever 104 Bharat Positive campaign ambassador and Captain Shalini Singh, wife of Kirti Chakra Major Bhadauria.
We can never thank our soldiers enough for their selfless sacrifice towards the nation.So, here's your chance to honour the armed forces in the first edition of a special marathon - SOLDIERATHON.
With over 6000 participants, the marathon is being organised in commemoration of armed forces martys in the half marathon, 10km, 5km, 3km and wheelchair categories.The brain behind the event, Major Surender Poonia shares that the event was conceptualized under the guidance of former President of India, late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
The run was witnessed by Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, All 3 living Paramveer Chakra, Min Gen VK Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Actor Varun Sood,