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Delhi News Updated Feb 22, 2026

Rohan Bopanna Flags Off 11th New Delhi Marathon, Vijender Singh Applauds Event

Former tennis star Rohan Bopanna flagged off the 11th edition of the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event is a qualifying race for the Asian Games, drawing over 30,000 participants. Olympic medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh praised the marathon as one of Delhi's best events, motivating youth participation. The Indian elite marathon contingent will showcase the nation's top distance-running talent.

Rohan Bopanna flags off 11th edition of New Delhi Marathon

New Delhi, February 22

Former Tennis Player Rohan Bopanna flagged off from the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium the 11th edition of the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon on Sunday in the national capital.

The marathon also serves as a qualifying race for the upcoming Asian Games, offering athletes a pathway to international excellence.

Rohan Bopanna expressed his thrill seeing so many runners at the New Delhi marathon, and said flagging off the event feels amazing. He's pumped to watch them stay motivated and crush it.

"It's so wonderful to see so many runners here this morning, and it's a beautiful feeling anytime I'm involved with some sport, and today to flag off this amazing event in New Delhi, the marathon, and to see these runners get here motivated and just encourage them to do a fantastic job feels amazing," Rohan Bopanna said.

Olympic-medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh lauded the event, saying the Delhi Marathon is one of the city's top events, drawing huge crowds and inspiring youth to get involved and stay motivated.

"Delhi Marathon is one of the best events in Delhi, and people participated in large numbers in it. The youth is very motivated to participate in such marathons," Vijender Singh told the reporters.

The New Delhi marathon is set to be one of the largest sporting events in the country, with over 30,000 participants expected to take part.

The Indian Elite Marathon contingent -- including Anish Thapa, Belliyappa, Man Singh Gopi T, Karthik, Akshay Saini, Bhagirathi Bisht, Nirmaben Thakor Bharatjee, Ashwini Madan Jadhav, Disket Dolma, and Stanzin Dolkar will showcase the nation's finest distance-running talent.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Over 30,000 participants! That's a massive number. It's heartening to see such enthusiasm for running in our capital. Events like these are crucial for building a health-conscious society. Kudos to the organizers and all the volunteers.

Michael C

As someone who ran in it last year, the energy is electric! The route and management have improved a lot. My only suggestion would be to have more water stations in the later stretches. Otherwise, a world-class event. All the best to everyone running!

Sneha F

So proud to see the Indian Elite Marathon contingent listed. Names like Man Singh and Ashwini Jadhav are real champions. Hope they get the recognition and support they deserve. This is more than just a run; it's a platform for our future international medal winners. Go for gold! 🏃‍♀️💨

Rahul R

It's great, but I hope the traffic diversions are managed better this time. Last year, several important roads were blocked for too long, causing major inconvenience to residents and commuters. The event is wonderful, but city life shouldn't come to a complete halt.

Kriti O

Love that they're getting stars from different sports to flag it off. It sends a unified message about fitness. Bopanna's energy is always contagious! Maybe next year they can have a Paralympic champion as a flag-off too? Inclusion would make it even more special.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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