Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday unveiled the official T-shirt for the upcoming Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh National Marathon, an initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s campaign against drug abuse and encouraging youth to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle through sports. The marathon is scheduled to be held on March 22, 2026, at Mahilpur (Garhshankar) in Hoshiarpur district, a town widely known as a nursery of football in Punjab.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, who was present on the occasion, said the event is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts under the “war against drugs” campaign initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He stated that the marathon seeks to motivate the younger generation to stay away from drugs, secure their future and help restore Punjab’s image as a vibrant and progressive state.
Rouri also highlighted that Chief Minister Mann had taken his oath of office after paying tribute to the martyrs at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. Every year, the state government organizes a major commemorative event there on the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh. As a mark of respect, this national marathon is being dedicated to the legendary freedom fighter and will take place a day before his martyrdom anniversary.
He further noted that Bhagat Singh had envisioned a strong and healthy nation where youth would dedicate themselves to the service of the country. Encouraging young people to participate in sports and eliminating drug abuse, he said, are crucial steps toward realizing that vision. Such initiatives, he added, also help strengthen the spirit of patriotism among the youth.
Providing details about the event, Rouri said the marathon will feature multiple race categories including 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and the full 42 km marathon. Participants from different age groups—children, youth, senior citizens and persons with disabilities—will be able to compete in the event. Winners in various categories will be honored with prizes to encourage greater participation.
He also informed that students from schools, colleges and universities across Punjab will be actively involved in the marathon, while several prominent personalities from India and abroad are expected to attend the event.
According to Rouri, the marathon will serve as a powerful platform to spread the message of a drug-free Punjab and inspire young people to embrace sports, fitness and a positive way of life.
