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New Delhi Marathon: Key Asian Games Qualifier for Elite Indian Athletes

Former Asian medallist Reeth Abraham emphasizes the New Delhi Marathon's significance as a major qualifying event for the Asian Games, noting its flat course and favorable weather. She highlights the explosive growth of India's running culture, with participation skyrocketing from hundreds to thousands over the past decade. The 2026 edition, expected to draw over 30,000 participants, will be flagged off from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by notable sports figures. Defending women's champion Bhagirathi Bisht has expressed confidence in reclaiming her title at the event.

Key Points: New Delhi Marathon 2026: Asian Games Qualifier & Elite Athlete Platform

  • Key Asian Games qualifier
  • Flat course in Delhi aids performance
  • India's marathon participation surged from hundreds to thousands
  • Over 30,000 participants expected in 2026 edition
  • Event to be flagged off by Olympic stars
2 min read

"This is important for our elite Indian athletes": Former Asian medallist Reeth Abraham on New Delhi Marathon

Former Asian medallist Reeth Abraham highlights the New Delhi Marathon as a crucial flat-course qualifier for the Asian Games, amid India's running boom.

"This is important for our elite Indian athletes because this is the qualifying for the Asian Games - Reeth Abraham"

By Karunesh Kumar, New Delhi, February 20

Former Asian medallist and Arjuna award winner Reeth Abraham believes the New Delhi Marathon is a key Asian Games qualifier, and with its flat course, it's a great chance for elite Indian athletes to hit their marks.

She also feels that India's running scene has exploded over the last decade, from just hundreds of participants to thousands, showing huge growth in marathon culture.

The 11th edition of the New Delhi Marathon is scheduled for 22 February 2026. The marathon also serves as a qualifying race for the upcoming Asian Games, offering athletes a pathway to international excellence.

While speaking to ANI, Abraham said, "This is important for our elite Indian athletes because this is the qualifying for the Asian Games, which is happening in another couple of months, so for them it's important, and since Delhi is a flat coast, the weather is good early in the morning, and we all hope that they will all qualify. In India, the running scenario has improved a lot over the years and in the last 10 years, and if you see 10 years back, we had only numbers in hundreds. We used to see the marathoners running and taking part, but now it is in thousands."

Bhagirathi Bisht claimed the top honours among elite women Indian athletes, grabbing the top spot in the New Delhi marathon last year. Bisht expressed confidence and said she'll perform well again and reclaim her title.

"I have been running in marathons for more than a year, and I won this marathon last year. I am confident that I will do well this time also and take my tag back," Bhagirathi Bisht told ANI.

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 race will be flagged off from the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by Olympic medallist Vijender Singhand Olympian Rohan Bopanna, guiding runners through the heart of New Delhi's historic and vibrant streets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Having a flat course in Delhi is a huge advantage for our athletes trying to hit qualifying times. The weather in February should be perfect too. Hope the event gets the national attention it deserves as a key qualifier.
R
Rahul R
While the growth is impressive, I hope the focus isn't just on elite athletes. The article mentions 30,000 participants – are there enough facilities, water stations, and medical support for all the amateur runners? The organisers must ensure a safe event for everyone.
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Sarah B
It's so inspiring to see women like Reeth Abraham and Bhagirathi Bisht leading the way in Indian athletics. More visibility for women in sports is exactly what we need. Go get that title back, Bhagirathi!
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Aman W
Jai Hind! Starting from JLN Stadium with stars like Vijender Singh flagging it off gives me goosebumps. This is more than a race; it's a festival of sport in our capital. Best of luck to all the runners!
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Kriti O
The marathon culture explosion is real. From just a few events, now every major city has runs. It's great for community building and national health. Hope this momentum leads to more medals for India at the Asian Games and beyond.

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