Sarhad Shauryathon 2025
Basharat Ladakhi
KARGIL, June 22: In a powerful tribute to heroes of the Kargil War, Sarhad Shauryathon 2025 was held at Kargil War Memorial in Drass, here today attracting over 2,500 athletes from across the country.
The high-altitude marathon was jointly organized by Indian Army, Sarhad Foundation, Pune and local civil administration of Kargil, as part of the pre-Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations. The event featured four race categories — 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and 3 km, turning Drass into a vibrant symbol of national pride, physical endurance and unity.
The marathon was flagged off by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon and Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the 14 Corps. Winners were felicitated with medals and cash prizes by Shinde, who praised the large turnout and said it reflected the nation’s unshakable trust in the Indian Army, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He lauded the Army and Sarhad Foundation for promoting peace, patriotism, and tourism in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh through such initiatives.
In a significant gesture, Shinde presented an Rs 3 crore cheque to Lt Gen Bhalla on behalf of the Maharashtra Government for the development and upgradation of the Kargil War Memorial. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he asserted that India had given a befitting reply to Pakistan.
Akhoon lauded the initiative and expressed deep gratitude to the Armed Forces for their sacrifices. He also congratulated the organisers for the successful conduct of the race. Later, the CEC also met Shinde and discussed various issues related to Kargil’s development.
Shinde assured him that a CT-scan machine will be given to the Drass Sub-District Hospital and a few ambulances will be provided for Kargil district. He also promised to extend support for tourism in Drass, the official said. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland during the Kargil War.
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