Tawang, Oct 10: The inaugural high-altitude Tawang Marathon, which witnessed over 2,500 participants competing at around 10,000 feet, was launched by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Sports Minister Mama Natung and MP Tapir Gao at Tsangyang Galwa High Altitude Stadium.
The marathon, which was organized by the Indian Army with the support of the state government, featured four categories of races: 42 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km. The event drew runners from various parts of the country as well as from the local communities.
Addressing the occasion, Chief Minister Khandu praised the event as historic and declared that it will be held every year. He also announced that the marathon will become international by next year by inviting foreign nationals to participate.
He said that the event has received popularity nationwide and overseas, with various MNCs and organizations willing to sponsor it. He thanked the Indian Army for successfully organizing the national-level event and thanked all the participants for their zeal and spirit.
He also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support of the development of sports and sports infrastructure in the state. He said that in the last seven years, Arunachal Pradesh has hosted various national and international sporting events such as Southeast Asian Table Tennis, national river rafting, national junior women’s football, national junior boxing, , national floor curling, national level marathon and national level tug of war.
He hoped such events would boost tourism, cultural exchange and peace in the region. He also urged the youth to pursue sports as a career and bring glory to the state and the nation. Hon’ble MLA of Tawang Tsering Tashi and GoC 4 Corps Lt Gen Manish Erry were also present at the event.