Rewari (Balwinder Singh)— In an expansive public display of youth solidarity against substance abuse, more than 50,000 citizens participated in the Rewari Half Marathon on Sunday under the banner of “Nasha Mukt Haryana-Khel Yukt Haryana.” Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off the mass event and rallied participants, emphasizing that the state administration approaches the narcotics challenge not through a political lens, but as a critical mission to safeguard the future of youth and regional households. The gathering drew senior public representatives, including Rewari legislator Laxman Yadav, Bawal MLA Dr. Krishan Kumar, Kosli MLA Anil Yadav, Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar, sports administrator Pankaj Nain, and event brand ambassador Sharmila Dhankhar, gold medallist in para-athletics at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Addressing the assembly before joining the run, the Chief Minister observed that a historic land celebrated for valor and industry has no place for the menace of substance abuse. He noted that the issue stems from decades of prior neglect, prompting the current administration over the past 12 years to establish a comprehensive framework integrating strict enforcement, public awareness, clinical treatment, and social rehabilitation. Urging the youth to take ownership of the drive, Saini asked every participant to mentor at least ten peers, while encouraging residents to report illicit narcotics distribution through the toll-free helpline 9050891508, the MANAS portal, or the national 1933 helpline under complete identity confidentiality.
The marathon featured broad community engagement, highlighted by flower petal showers dropped from the main dais and via aerial drones along the race track to motivate the massive contingent of runners. Following the formal flag-off, Chief Minister Saini entered the course himself to run alongside participants, later planting saplings within the adjacent green belt to promote environmental awareness. The race route came alive with musical performances by vocalists Naveen Punia and Satyen Lamba, student cultural displays at roadside checkpoints, and themed sand art installations promoting healthy, active living.
At the concluding ceremony outside Rao Tula Ram Stadium, the Chief Minister presented cash prizes and citations to top finishers across multiple competitive tiers. In the 10-kilometre division, Monu Kumar clinched first place in the men’s category followed by Dharmendra and Ramsangrup, while Sarita Pal took top honours in the women’s segment alongside runners-up Sonika and Neeta Rani, earning cash awards of 100,000 rupees, 50,000 rupees, and 21,000 rupees respectively. The 5-kilometre contest saw Yash and Pooja take the top men’s and women’s spots, followed by Pankaj, Shankardayal, Sonia, and Neelam, with top performers taking home cash awards of 5,100, 3,100, and 2,100 rupees.
