Chandigarh, August 24 – As part of the Haryana Uday programme, a youth marathon was organized in Dabwali, Sirsa, on Sunday where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini not only flagged off the event but also ran alongside participants to encourage the youth.
The marathon, which began at 5 a.m. with a half marathon, was followed by 10 km and 5 km races. Thousands of citizens, especially young people, took part with great enthusiasm. Addressing the gathering, Saini said drug abuse is a curse that destroys lives, families, and the future of society. He stressed that both the central and state governments are running mass campaigns against drugs, with efforts like Fit India Movement, Raahgiri, Cyclothon, and marathons helping raise awareness.
The Chief Minister noted that Haryana Uday is the state’s largest outreach programme, with 2,482 events organized so far across Haryana, engaging over 16.5 lakh people. He added that 162 de-addiction centers are functioning in the state, along with rehabilitation wards in government medical colleges and facilities in 13 district hospitals. These measures have already led to 3,350 villages and 876 city wards being declared drug-free.
During the event, Saini administered a pledge for a “Drug-Free Haryana” to the crowd. Over 35 sarpanches also joined the marathon and honored the Chief Minister with a traditional turban. Cultural performances, plays on drug awareness, and musical acts by artists including singer MD and Subhash Fauji energized the audience.
In the half marathon, Mohit Kumar secured first place in the men’s category with a timing of 1:10:39, while Tammashi Singh won the women’s category, finishing in 1:29:43. In the 10 km race, Mohan led the men’s category with 31:17, while Neeta Rani topped the women’s category with 36:37. Winners received cash prizes from the Chief Minister.
Saini reiterated that the government is determined to eliminate drug networks through anti-narcotics cells at state, district, and range levels, while also rehabilitating youth affected by addiction.
