Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
Thousands of young people, athletes, women, children and elderly residents participated in the ‘Youth Run Punjab 2026’ marathon organised in Amritsar on Sunday to promote a drug-free Punjab and encourage young people to embrace sports and fitness. Held under the state’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the event began at 6 am from Ranjit Avenue and delivered a strong message in favour of a healthy lifestyle and staying away from drugs. The marathon was organised by the youth wing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with local party leaders joining the programme and encouraging participants to engage in sporting activities.
AAP Punjab working president and MLA Aman Sher Singh Sherry Kalsi flagged off the marathon. He said the large participation in Youth Run Punjab 2026 reflected a positive picture of the state, with thousands of young people coming together to support sports, fitness and a drug-free Punjab.
Referring to the initiatives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, Kalsi also highlighted the government's efforts towards public welfare and the development of Punjab.
Marathon Series Across Four Cities Strengthens Anti-Drug Message
AAP chief spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the Youth Run Punjab initiative had received an encouraging response in Mohali, Bathinda and Jalandhar. In Amritsar, the fourth event in the series witnessed enthusiastic participation from young people and wrestlers from the Majha region.
Dhaliwal said the response reflected the region's sporting spirit and the enthusiasm of its youth for the campaign.
Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said the participation of thousands of children and young people in the Amritsar event sent a positive message about fitness and a healthy lifestyle. He said the growing involvement of young people in sports could help encourage them to stay away from drugs and contribute to building a prosperous Punjab.
According to the AAP, more than one lakh people have participated in Youth Run Punjab 2026 events held across Mohali, Bathinda, Jalandhar and Amritsar.
The party said the marathon series brought together young people, women, children and elderly residents on a common platform to promote a drug-free future. The initiative aims to strengthen public awareness about substance abuse while encouraging greater participation in sports and fitness activities.
The party reiterated its commitment to mobilising people across Punjab through community initiatives and sporting events as part of the broader effort to achieve a drug-free and progressive state.
