Three National Defence Academy (NDA) course-mates from the 67 NDA Course scripted history at the 3rd edition of the Assam Rifles Hills Half Marathon at Laitkor, Shillong on Sunday, the 26 November 2023 when they won the gold, silver and bronze in the over 55 years age category.
Commander AP Venkatesh (NDA Alpha Squadron), a veteran from the Indian Navy won the gold, Brigadier Sanjay Rawal (NDA Hunter Squadron), a veteran from the Indian Army won the silver and Lieutenant General PC Nair (NDA Hunter Squadron), the Director General of Assam Rifles, the bronze.
The Half Marathon was held as part of the Fit India Movement by Assam Rifles and saw many runners participating with great enthusiasm.
It’s their passion for long distance running over the years that got the three course-mates together for the event. Commander Venkatesh travelled from Bangalore while Brigadier Sanjay Rawal travelled from Delhi for the event. With no practice in hill running these two officers participated and left the competition in their age category far behind. This motivation, zeal and enthusiasm to run at this age is a consequence of their NDA DNA, those present during the event commented. It surely would have inspired many officers and soldiers who were present at Laitkor, Shillong today. “Age is surely no bar and if you have a firm resolve, nothing can stop you”, was a statement that was espoused by all the three course-mates. Their course-spirit and NDA bonhomie was very evident as was seen at the end of the race where they not only congratulated and hugged each other but also clicked many photos together. They took home a cheque of Rs 12,000, Rs 11,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
Running as a passion has seen an exponential rise in the country. It was surprising to note the large number of civilian participants in the event. The oldest participant in the half marathon was a local lady aged 75. The Assam Rifles Hill Half Marathon has been conducted just a week prior to the Coal India Half Marathon that is scheduled to be held in Guwahati on 3 December 2023 by the Indian Army.
Source: PRO Assam Rifles
Report: Pratyusha Mukherjee
