Chandigarh
7 March 2023
DIVYA AZAD
With an aim to create awareness about fitness among people and celebrate the upcoming ‘International Women’s Day’ – Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh organised a Half Marathon-‘Narsee Monjee Half Marathon International Women’s Day Run’, which was flagged off at the NMIMS campus.
The event was held in support of GOI’s ‘Fit India Movement’ which aims to encourage people to remain healthy and fit by including sports in their daily lives. Dr. Dharam Pal (IAS), Adviser to Administrator, Chandigarh (UT) was the chief guest and he also gave away prizes to the winners.
UT Adviser, Dr. Dharam Pal along with Amit Sheth, Honorary Secretary and Mentor, NMIMS graced the event and also participated in the run. Amit is also a well-known marathoner and was the first Indian national to have run the Comrades Marathon in 2009. He is also the Comrades International Brand Ambassador for the Indian Subcontinent. Prof. Dr. Jaskiran Kaur, Director, NMIMS was also present. During the event, Dr Minakshi Rohilla Professor Department of Gynaecology, PGIMER shared valuable information and insights on how a woman should take care of her health and hygiene at different phases of her life. It’s noteworthy that ICICI Bank was the banking partner of the event.
Speaking on the occasion, UT Adviser, Dharam Pal said, “Today’s marathon was special as it was not just about promoting health only but also to promote gender equality and women empowerment.”
Amit Sheth, Honorary Secretary & Mentor, NMIMS and the first Indian national to have run the Comrades Marathon in 2009 said, “We invited many elite runners of the region to participate in the Half Marathon. The organisation of the marathon was in keeping with international standards and marathon rules. Route briefing was done by Amit Gulia, the Race Director. Hydration Points were available and timing chip mats were also installed at the start and end points. Adequate measures to meet any medical emergency were also in place.”
Prof. Dr. Jaskiran Kaur, Director, NMIMS, said, “As this half marathon was a tribute to women power, we are extremely elated that an overwhelming response was received from all women participants. Keeping the NMIMS vision of ‘Clean and Healthy Chandigarh’ in focus we also held a Plogging run. Plogging specifically refers to the activity of picking up trash while jogging. Another unique feature of the marathon was that student members of NMIMS’s Student Council took care of the organization of the half marathon.“
Nearly 1000 participants took part in the half-marathon, where in cash prizes of up to Rs 1 lakh were given to the winners. About 40 per cent of the participants were women. The marathon had three categories – Half Marathon (21.1 km), Mighty (10 km), and Fun Run (5km) for men and women participants.
The 21.1 Km run was flagged off by Elite Runner Amar Singh Chauhan, the flagging off of the 10 Km run was done by the guest of honour Nitika Pawar(IAS), Secretary Social Welfare & Special Secretary Personnel, UT, while the 5 Km run was flagged off by the UT Adviser and Rajiv Tewari, Director Public Relations, Chandigarh Administration was also present.
In the Half Marathon (21.1 km) category, men’s, Aneesh Chandel secured 1st place, while Rohit and Pradeep Kumar bagged 2nd and 3rd place respectively. In the 21.1 Kms Female segment Jyoti was 1st, Vinita Gujar 2nd and Mukesh Kumari 3rd. In 10 km men’s, Mukul Kumar clinched 1st place, while Ravi Chauhan and Naveen Sharma secured 2nd and 3rd place respectively. In the female section Kavita was 1st, Vandana 2nd and Manisha Mehra 3rd. In the 5km run for men Rahul Maurya bagged 1st while Abuzar Khan and Ankit Kumar secured 2nd and 3rd place respectively. In females Jaspal Kaur was 1st, Ramandeep Kaur 2nd and Antima Gupta 3rd.
Entertaining performances were held after flagging offs were done. A performance by Sunaini Sharma a well-known Punjabi folk singer and songs by Naveed Akhtar enthralled the audience. A Bhangra performance was also held.
Moreover, the chief guest felicitated Sunaini Sharma, Deep Shergill – a noted educationist and a fitness expert, Opinder Kaur Sekhon – a national level master athlete and cancer survivor, Naved Akhtar, elite runners, run clubs, and Amit Gulia.
Prof.Amit Sheth and Prof. (Dr.) Jaskiran Kaur felicitated the Chief Guest.
