National-level event in Mahilpur on March 22 as part of 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' to promote sports & combat drug abuse: Rouri
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann today launched the official T-shirt for the Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh National Marathon.
On this occasion, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri said that as part of the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, this grand marathon is being organized on March 22, 2026 at Mahilpur (Garhshankar), District Hoshiarpur, which is famous as the nursery of football. The event aims to motivate the youth of Punjab against drug abuse, build a brighter future for them and restore the state to its ‘Rangla Punjab’ spirit.
Deputy Speaker said that Chief Minister had also taken his oath of office after paying tribute to the martyrs at Khatkar Kalan, and every year a state-level function is organized there on the martyrdom day of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. In the same spirit of respect, on the eve of martyrdom anniversary, this marathon is being dedicated to Shaheed-e-Azam.
Rouri said that Bhagat Singh dreamed of a healthy and strong nation where every youth would be devoted to serving the country. To realize this dream, eliminating drugs and encouraging youth toward sports is the need of the hour.
Providing further details about the marathon, Rouri said that participants including children, youth, senior citizens, and specially-abled persons will be able to compete in different categories of 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km run. Winners will be honored with various prizes.
He added that active participation from schools, colleges, and universities across Punjab will be ensured in this large-scale event. In addition, several prominent personalities who have earned recognition nationally and internationally will also attend the program.
Rouri said that this marathon will play an important role in spreading the message of a drug-free Punjab to every household and motivating youth toward sports and a healthy lifestyle.