Prez Murmu flags off inaugural Soldierathon honouring President's Bodyguard, Kargil heroes
New Delhi, Aug 2
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday flagged off the inaugural Soldierathon, a first-of-its-kind event organised to celebrate the 253-year legacy of the President's Bodyguard, at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh (Retd.) also attended the event.
The President's Bodyguard is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Armed Forces.
The event also serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces while commemorating 27 years of India's victory in the Kargil War.
"The Soldierathon serves as a unique platform to strengthen the bond between civilians and the Armed Forces, guided by the vision of 'Run for Soldiers, Run with Soldiers.' Centred on the theme 'Supporting Real Heroes - the Armed Forces of India,' the event pays tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifice of our soldiers while encouraging citizens to express their solidarity with them through active participation," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.
The President's Bodyguard, raised in 1773, is recognised as the world's only Airborne Cavalry Regiment. It occupies a unique position in the Indian Armed Forces, with its soldiers undergoing specialised training as both paratroopers and tankmen.
Alongside carrying out ceremonial responsibilities, they remain combat-ready and are regularly deployed in some of the country's toughest operational environments, including annual postings at the Siachen Glacier.
The inaugural President's Bodyguard Soldierathon has been organised not only to celebrate the regiment's distinguished history but also to honour the courage and dedication of Indian soldiers who have served the nation with distinction.
The event has been opened to participants from all walks of life, including seasoned runners, first-time participants, students, families, educational institutions and corporate teams.
Competitors can participate in multiple categories, including the 10 km, 5 km, 3 km and Cheer Buddy events, making the initiative accessible to people of all age groups and fitness levels.
According to the organisers, the proceeds generated through the Soldierathon will be utilised for the welfare of the troops and horses of the President's Bodyguard.
The initiative aims to preserve the regiment's rich equestrian heritage while also contributing towards the well-being of its serving personnel. The event is being organised in partnership with Wonder Cement and Bhutani Infra.
In addition to supporting the President's Bodyguard, the Soldierathon will also contribute to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, where soldiers who have sustained life-altering injuries receive specialised medical care, rehabilitation and support to help them rebuild their lives with dignity.
The organisers stated that the Soldierathon has evolved into a unique platform where civilians and soldiers participate together, symbolising solidarity and paying tribute to the heroism, valour and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.
The event is conducted annually at different military stations across the country, spanning major metropolitan cities as well as tier-two towns, with the objective of encouraging wider public participation.
Besides promoting fitness and community engagement, the initiative also seeks to inspire the younger generation by highlighting the ethics, values and proud legacy of the Indian Armed Forces.
The organisers said the mission of the Soldierathon is "To create a massive community project that honours the sacrifices of Indian soldiers through fitness and commemorative events."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kargil Vijay Diwas was just last week and now this Soldierathon - great timing to keep the spirit alive. I appreciate that they've included categories for all ages and fitness levels. My family is thinking of participating in the 3km run. It's a meaningful way to show support beyond just social media posts.
Good initiative but I wish such events were more affordable for common people. The registration fees for these marathon-style events can be quite high. Still, if the proceeds genuinely go towards soldier welfare and the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, then it's worth it. Hope they maintain transparency in fund utilisation.
The President's Bodyguard being the world's only Airborne Cavalry Regiment is something most Indians don't know! It's great that this event is bringing attention to their unique role. Also, contributing to the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre is truly noble - those soldiers who've given everything deserve the best care possible. Would love to see more such events in tier-2 cities too!
As someone who's lived in India for a few years now, I'm always impressed by the sense of pride and unity around the armed forces here. This Soldierathon seems like a fantastic community event that bridges the gap between civilians and the military. The theme "Run for Soldiers, Run with Soldiers" is inspiring. Looking forward to participating.
The equestrian heritage aspect is fascinating! In a world that's all about technology and speed, it's lovely to see efforts to preserve the rich traditions of the President's Bodyguard. Also, involving educational institutions and corporate teams will help spread awareness
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