Haryana CM Saini flags off Rewari marathon, says youth will lead state’s fight against drugs
Babushahi Bureau
Rewari (Haryana), September 6, 2026: More than 50,000 people participated in the Rewari Marathon on Sunday as Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini called upon the state’s youth to lead the campaign against drug abuse and help build a “Nasha Mukt Haryana, Khel Yukt Haryana.”
The marathon, organised on the theme “Nashe se Jung, Rewari Ke Sang”, was aimed at spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and encouraging young people to embrace sports and healthy lifestyles.
Addressing participants before flagging off the event, Saini said Haryana’s youth had resolved to fight a decisive battle against drugs and that their participation would give fresh momentum to efforts to make the state drug-free.
He said the Haryana Government had adopted a comprehensive approach focused on enforcement, awareness, treatment and rehabilitation to tackle drug abuse.
Saini said there could be no place for the “social evil” of drug abuse in Rewari, a region known for its valour, hard work and patriotism. He said the drug problem had been a longstanding challenge and stressed that his government had been addressing it with a focus on the future of young people and families rather than viewing it as a political issue.
“A drug-free youth is the foundation of a happy family, skilled youth will build a prosperous Haryana, and determined youth will become the strength of a developed and self-reliant India,” he said.
CM urges youth to report drug peddling
The Chief Minister appealed to young people to actively participate in the anti-drug awareness campaign and report drug sales and peddling activities instead of remaining silent.
He said even one piece of information could potentially save a young person’s life and prevent a family from losing hope.
Saini urged every young participant to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drugs among at least 10 other youngsters, saying such efforts could turn the campaign into a mass movement.
He said a toll-free anti-drug helpline, 9050891508, had been launched to assist people affected by drug abuse and provide information about drug-peddling activities. Complaints related to narcotic substances can also be registered through the MANAS portal and helpline 1933.
The Chief Minister said the identity of complainants would be kept confidential and administered an oath to participants to support the campaign against drugs.
CM runs alongside participants
The marathon saw enthusiastic participation from more than 50,000 runners. Saini showered flowers on participants from the flag-off stage, while drones also showered flowers along the marathon route.
After flagging off the races, the Chief Minister himself reached the marathon track and ran alongside participants, encouraging them during the event.
He also planted saplings along the greenbelt near the marathon route, linking the anti-drug campaign with a message of environmental conservation.
Cultural programmes were organised at the flag-off venue and along the route, with students from schools across the district presenting performances. Singers Naveen Poonia and Satyan Lamba also performed at the main venue, while sand art and exhibitions promoted the message of a drug-free Haryana.
Winners honoured with cash prizes
Saini later honoured the winners of the Rewari Marathon with cash prizes and certificates at a ceremony held in front of Rao Tula Ram Stadium.
The 10-km Half Marathon, which began at 6 am, was won by Monu Kumar in the men’s category, followed by Dharmendra in second place and Ramsangrup in third.
In the women’s category, Sarita Pal secured first place, Sonika finished second and Neeta Rani stood third.
The 5-km race, which began at 7 am, saw Yash finish first in the men’s category, followed by Pankaj and Shankardayal. In the women’s category, Pooja secured first place, followed by Sonia and Neelam.
The top three finishers in the 10-km race received ₹1 lakh, ₹50,000 and ₹21,000, respectively, along with certificates. The top three winners in the 5-km race were awarded ₹5,100, ₹3,100 and ₹2,100, respectively.
Commonwealth Games 2026 para-athletics gold medallist and marathon brand ambassador Sharmila Dhankhar was also honoured during the event.
Rewari MLAs Laxman Yadav and Dr Krishan Kumar, Kosli MLA Anil Yadav, Nalwa MLA Randhir Panihar, Pankaj Nain and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.