Key Points

Legendary track and field athlete Carl Lewis was present at the event. Delhi Minister Ashish Sood was also present on the occasion.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya flagged off the 20th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 from a separate location in the national capital.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, CDS General Anil Chauhan and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi were also present.

"Our central government has consistently adopted a highly supportive attitude towards sports, providing numerous facilities to our country's athletes. Delhi will also move in this direction, ensuring that all our sportspersons are provided with facilities and a proper environment. The Delhi government will work diligently to achieve this."

Expressing his happiness at the successful conduct of the event, LG Saxena stated that more than 40,000 people participated, including 10,000 women, and further noted that the Prime Minister's Fit India call was being fulfilled.

"The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, which began in 2005, has now completed 25 years. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people. I am participating in it for the third time. The atmosphere here is truly beautiful, with more than 40,000 people participating, including over 10,000 women, which is a very positive aspect. This sends the message that due to the Fit India call given by the Prime Minister, people today want to participate more and more in sports and stay fit," Saxena told reporters.

All three Defence Forces are participating in the Half Marathon category this year, with senior officers including Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (Air Force), Lt Gen Rahul R Singh (Army), and Vice Admiral LS Pathania (Navy) taking part.

Additionally, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ran the Half Marathon alongside his sons in the 10K category.

"Just completed the #vedantadelhihalfmarathon with a personal best finishing time" Abdullah posted on X.

Olympic legend Carl Lewis, the International Event Ambassador was present to cheer on participants as they took to the streets of the capital, inspiring them to give their best at this landmark 20th edition. He was joined by Olympic bronze medallist and Puma Ambassador Sarabjot Singh, alongside Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist Tejasvin Shankar.

Leading the Indian elite line-up is Asian Champion and multiple national record holder Gulveer Singh, alongside Abhishek Pal and Kiran Matre, headlined the home contingent's men's line-up. Lili Das also returned to defend her crown as the reigning champion, facing stiff competition from Sanjivani Jadhav and Ankita Dhyani.

- ANI