Top athletes from India are targeting the Paris Olympics in the Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon
In the 9th edition of the famous Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon on Sunday, February 25, over 19,000 competitors, including some of India’s best runners, will compete for a chance to earn a ticket to the Olympics in Paris later this year.
Gopi T (2:13:39), Srinu B (2:14:59), and Anish Thapa (2:16:41) of the Army Sports Institute have been training for the race with the aim of breaking the national record. They also want to meet the Olympic qualifying time of 2:08.10 throughout this campaign.
Ashini Jadhav (2:56:41) and Nirmaben Thakor (2:47:11) are two of the leading female runners in the race. Cricket player Irfan Pathan and fitness enthusiast Soha Ali Khan, who is the marathon’s proud brand ambassador, are adding a little celebrity power to the well-liked race.
The Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon, which is recognized as the nation’s national marathon, has grown in prominence over the years with the support of Fit India and the Athletics Federation of India. Amidst the winter season in Delhi, participants will set off on a tour through the city’s core, passing by famous sites including Khan Market, Lodhi Garden, and Humayun’s Tomb.
The NDM is ready to welcome an amazing 19,000 participants from 289 cities, 27 states, and 19 countries, thanks to the careful organization of NEB Sports. With 3,000 participants preparing for the full marathon, 7,000 for the half marathon, 5,000 for the 10K, and 4,000 for the 5K, it is one of the biggest turnouts in Indian sports history.
“We are happy to see the National Marathon receiving such a good response and are hoping that sportspersons continue to bring laurels to the country,” said Mr. Adille Sumariwalla, President of the Indian Athletic Federation.
Running himself, Satish Sharma, President, Apollo Tyres Ltd., Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), expressed great joy with the tremendous turnout from the running community for the event.
Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director of ASICS India and Asia, commented on the partnership, saying, “As the official sports goods partner of one of the nation’s most prestigious running events, we are excited to kick-start this collaboration.” The purpose of ASICS race day gear is to provide runners with high-performance clothing and footwear that will improve their running experience. I hope that every single person who takes part has an amazing time running.”
Race Director Nagaraj Adiga, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with well-known companies like ASICS and Apollo Tyres. With their resolute backing, he said with confidence, the event is certain to provide an experience that no one will soon forget, making it a top-notch event. A heartwarming demonstration of inclusiveness and solidarity, several NGOs are teaming up for the marathon.
The Sai Vishwanath Memorial Trust, Bhayat NGO, and Guide Runners for the visually impaired are a few of the organizations that are uniting to support diversity in athletics. At the young age of five, Ankur Dhama, a resident of Khekra, Uttar Pradesh, lost his eyesight. Ankur, along with 25 other visually challenged runners, will be taking on the challenge of the 10K race despite his visual handicap.
Six athlete ambassadors from Bangalore Schools of Sports’ Champion in Me program, together with their coach, will be taking part to show off their commitment to fighting stigma and prejudice against young people living with HIV.
About twenty HIV-positive kids from Bangalore’s Ananya Trust’s “Positive Running Programme” will also be taking part in the event. These remarkable people ‘Go The Distance’ and represent inclusion and sportsmanship in its purest form. They are bright examples of tenacity and resolve.
