Officials along with the winners pose for a photo during the half marathon for men and women held at the State Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, on October 28.
Chümoukedima, October 28 (MExN): The 173 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), organised a marathon for men and women at the State Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Wednesday, with around 1,700 participants taking part.
The event was organised under the banner of "Spandan – Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations" as part of the Khelo India scheme.
Open to participants aged 18 years and above, the event featured a 21-km marathon for men and a 5-km marathon for women. The races were flagged off at 5.30 am from the State Agri Expo, which served as both the starting and finishing point.
Cash prizes were awarded separately in the men's and women's categories. The first prize carried Rs 20,000, the second Rs 15,000 and the third Rs 10,000. The fourth and fifth-place finishers received Rs 5,000 each, while the sixth and seventh-place finishers received Rs 3,000 each. The eighth-place finisher received Rs 2,000, and the ninth and tenth-place finishers received Rs 1,000 each. Participants were also provided with T-shirts and refreshments.
Polan John, NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima, attended the event as the chief guest and distributed cash prizes to the top 10 finishers.
Other dignitaries present included Nikho Venuh, NPS, DCP, Chümoukedima; Khrusa Keyho, NPS, DCP, Dimapur; Deven Bhosle, Commandant, 78 Bn CRPF; Myanthung Patton, Deputy Director, State Agri Expo, Chümoukedima; and Harender Singh, Deputy Director, SAI, Dimapur.
In his welcome address, Ashok Kumar Yadav, Commandant of 173 Bn CRPF, welcomed the chief guest, guests of honour and participants.
He expressed gratitude to the district administration, police authorities, SAI representatives, medical professionals, media personnel and the personnel of 173 Bn CRPF for their efforts in ensuring the event's safety and success.
Addressing the gathering, John commended the 173 Battalion CRPF and SAI for taking the initiative under the national banner of "Spandan – Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations".
He said participation in sports was one of the most constructive ways to channel the energy of young people. In a world marked by digital distractions and negative influences, taking part in physical activities was a positive commitment to a healthy lifestyle, he said.
The deputy commissioner urged the younger generation to make fitness a daily habit and lead by example in building healthier and safer communities.
In the men's 21-km category, Nahtoi N Wangnao secured the first position, followed by Arif Ali in second place and Kamal Kumar in third.
In the women's 5-km category, Pratima Verma finished first, followed by Pooja Verma in second place and Annu Pal in third.
Narayan Balai, Second-in-Command of 173 Bn CRPF, proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.
He also expressed gratitude to the district administration, police authorities, SAI representatives, medical professionals, media personnel and CRPF personnel who contributed to organising the marathon.
