BENGALURU, Apr 26: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in the 18th edition of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru held in Bengaluru on Sunday, as the city witnessed a massive turnout of runners and enthusiastic spectators.
The prestigious 10-kilometre road race, a World Athletics Gold Label event, saw the participation of elite international athletes alongside over 30,000 amateur runners from across India and abroad, reinforcing Bengaluru’s reputation as a major hub for distance running.
Speaking after completing the run, Abdullah said, “It was a tough run. I started a bit too fast and then the humidity of Bengaluru caught up with me but the crowds were amazing. I’ve run in other cities as well but the passion and the support that I saw from the crowds here in Bengaluru was absolutely amazing.”
Congress MLA NA Haris described the event as a matter of pride for the state, stating, “It’s a great pride for Karnataka, Bengaluru to conduct this TCS World 10K. I think it’s a great moment and it actually inspires lot of people to be more healthier. And people are getting ready for this event.”
BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who has been a regular participant, said, “This is the third or fourth time I’ve had the privilege of participating in the Procam 10K here in Bengaluru. It’s always a wonderful event-you know, there’s great energy and a good vibe. It’s nice to run with everyone here in Bangalore, which has such a vibrant running and fitness community.”
Another BJP MP, Tejasvi Surya, highlighted the scale of participation, saying, “Bengaluru TCS World 10K has been successfully completed today. More than 30,000 runners have participated from across the country, with many also coming from around the world. It’s incredible to see India-and Bengaluru in particular-emerge as a running hub.”
Musician and founder of Ahuti, Sivasri Skandaprasad, reflected on the growing fitness culture, saying, “It has become a habit now to get up early, to exercise, to run, and to get into this groove. When I was running, I saw thousands of people cheering for me-even though they don’t even know me. So, it’s a culture that is being built across the country, and I’m really glad that India is going through this kind of fitness cultural shift.”
“I’m happy to be a part of this journey. I’m looking forward to many more races organized by Procam, who, I think, do by far the best job in the country in organizing such events. Looking forward to the next one.”
The event, promoted by Procam International, once again underscored its stature as one of India’s premier road races, blending elite competition with mass participation while fostering a strong culture of health, fitness, and community engagement.
(UNI)
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