Delhi’s 20th‑edition Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 kicked off with a bang, drawing more than 40,000 runners—including over 10,000 women—into the city’s streets. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta laid the starting flag alongside Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, while Olympian Carl Lewis—named the event’s International Ambassador—cheered on the crowd from the sidelines. Delhi Minister Ashish Sood and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also turned heads by flag‑off in separate locations.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena joined the celebration, highlighting how the event, which began in 2005, marks a 25‑year legacy of running in Delhi. He praised the government’s commitment to sports and said the marathon was a clear win for the Prime Minister’s Fit India initiative. “Our central government has always been a strong supporter of sports, and Delhi is stepping up to provide athletes with world‑class facilities,” Saxena said, reflecting on the participation of thousands of runners on the day.
The march also boasted a star‑packed lineup. All three branches of the Indian Armed Forces ran in the Half Marathon categories, with figures such as Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Lt‑Gen Rahul R Singh, and Vice Admiral LS Pathania taking part. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ran the 10K segment with his sons and shared his personal best time on X, adding a human touch to the day’s excitement.
On the elite racing front, Indian stars were in full force. Asian Champion Gulveer Singh, record holder Abhishek Pal, and Kiran Matre led the male contingent, while Lili Das defended her title against tough rivals Sanjivani Jadhav and Ankita Dhyani. The event also featured other top athletes such as Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Tejasvin Shankar and Puma Ambassador Sarabjot Singh, all united in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fierce competition.
The 2025 edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon proves that Delhi’s sporting spirit is stronger than ever. With record turnout, powerful leadership, and a roster of elite competitors, the event not only celebrates five decades of running in the capital but also fully embraces India’s Fit India call, encouraging citizens of all ages to lace up and move.
Source: aninews
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