Photo Source:Babushahi Bureau
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini flags off Sonipat Half Marathon
CM calls upon society to unite against drugs, also extends greetings on Navratri
Government continuously working to tackle drug addiction: CM
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 30, 2025 - Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday flagged off the Sonipat Half Marathon organized at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Sonipat.
The Chief Minister, while addressing the crowd gathered at the half marathon, said the main goal of such events is to make the state aware against drugs so that Haryana can be made drug-free.
He called upon the entire society to unite against drugs. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also wished people on Navratri.
The Chief Minister said this race is an inspiration to walk together, to create awareness towards sports and to mobilize the entire society against drugs. Such events not only bring social awareness but also instill enthusiasm and excitement in all of us.
He said only healthy people build a healthy society and a healthy society is the first step towards the development and upliftment of the country. It is important for a healthy society that it should be free from evils like drug addiction. For this, we have expanded sports facilities in the state.A campaign has also been launched to keep the youth and all citizens away from the evil of drug addiction. The marathon is a part of this campaign.
Promoting fitness by organizing marathons
The Chief Minister said marathons and raahgiri events are being organized across the state. Through these events, the public is constantly being made aware of maintaining fitness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Fit India programme on August 29, 2019 so that the general public can take care of their health. The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister and said by starting the Fit India programme, the Prime Minister has made fitness an integral part of the lifestyle of the common man.
Along with this, India has also given the basic mantra of yoga to the whole world. He said seeing the crowd gathered in today's marathon, it is evident that people have become committed to fitness.
Haryana Government is continuously tackling drug addiction
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the Haryana Government is continuously tackling drug addiction. With the support of saints, voluntary organizations and civil organizations, it is working against drug addiction. Sports are being promoted to keep the youth away from drugs.
Mission teams have been formed from village and ward level to state level for de-addiction and rehabilitation. Dhaakad programme has been started at the level of colleges, universities and educational institutions.
Programmes being organized under ‘Haryana Uday’
The Chief Minister said this marathon is being organized under the Haryana Uday programme of the state government. So far, 2,482 programmes have been organized under the Haryana Uday Abhiyan, in which 16.50 lakh people have participated.
This has proved to be the biggest outreach programme of Haryana till date. It includes raahgiri, cyclothon and sports competitions in areas affected by crime and drug addiction, de-addiction campaign, adoption of senior citizens, police school etc.
From children to elderly, everyone took part in marathon
The Chief Minister said it is a matter of happiness that thousands of people from all over the city have participated in the marathon. From children to the elderly, everyone participated in the marathon. Senior citizens aged 60 to 80 also ran and their enthusiasm inspires others.
He congratulated the winning runners and all the citizens who participated in the 21 km, 10 km and 5 km marathons. He also congratulated the Sonipat district administration on the successful organization of this marathon.
Students gave different cultural presentations during the half marathon. Singer MD presented songs against drug addiction. Students of Rai Sports School also presented gymnastics.
Cabinet Minister Sh. Arvind Sharma, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badoli, Sonipat MLA Nikhil Madan, Kharkhoda MLA Pawan Kharkhoda, Ganaur MLA Devender Kadyan, Mayor Rajiv Jain, District and Sessions Judge Pramod Goyal, OSD Pankaj Nain, DC Dr. Manoj Kumar and others were present on the occasion.