Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday flagged off the Vedanta Half Marathon at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. She said fitness and sports are an integral part of the lifestyle of Delhi’s residents.
The Chief Minister said the growing participation of youth, especially women, in such events reflects a “new and positive change” in the city’s social mindset.
Waving to thousands of runners from the stage, the Chief Minister greeted participants and described the event as a celebration of energy, enthusiasm, and unity. “The morning in Delhi today is filled with energy and inspiration. It makes me proud to see so many young people, especially women, embracing fitness and running with confidence,” she said.
The Chief Minister noted that this year’s edition saw a significant rise in women participants, which, she said, marks an encouraging step towards awareness and gender equality. “Fitness and sports have become inseparable from Delhi’s daily life. The increasing number of women joining such events shows that society is moving towards balance and equal opportunities,” she added.
The Chief Minister said that such events are not just sports gatherings but platforms that promote discipline, teamwork, leadership, and determination among the youth. “When citizens take fitness as a personal goal, it strengthens the entire society,” she said.
Acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide Fitness Movement, the Chief Minister said the campaign has inspired citizens across the country to adopt a healthier lifestyle. “The Fit India initiative has brought a cultural shift. People now see fitness not as a burden, but as a joy. This is a change worth celebrating,” she said.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed her government’s commitment to promoting health and wellness under the vision of ‘Healthy Delhi, Strong Delhi’. “We are continuously working to ensure that every citizen of the capital lives a life full of energy, confidence, and excellent health,” she said. The event, which drew runners from various age groups and walks of life, turned the stadium and adjoining routes into a vibrant spectacle of movement and motivation. Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, along with senior government officials, athletes, and dignitaries, was also present. The marathon concluded with a medal ceremony, where the Chief Minister felicitated participants who performed exceptionally well.
As she congratulated the winners, the chief minister said the success of the Vedanta Half Marathon once again underlined Delhi’s growing fitness culture. “The capital is not just running a race today; it’s running towards a healthier and stronger future,” she said.
