New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta Wednesday unveiled the finisher’s medal for the 21st edition of Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM), ahead of the race scheduled for Oct 18, and said sporting events of this scale could play an important role in promoting fitness, inclusion and greater public participation.Gupta said initiatives such as VDHM were aligned with the larger objectives of Fit India movement by encouraging people across age groups to take up physical activity. “When we talk about Fit India, these initiatives are important. The increase in participation of women is encouraging,” she said.Recalling her visit to the race last year, Gupta said she had initially planned to spend only a short time, but ended up staying longer after seeing the enthusiasm and energy among participants.CM also highlighted the participation of persons with disabilities, saying the event provided a platform for people from different backgrounds and abilities to come together. She also referred to the social causes associated with the race and stressed the importance of extending support to those in need. “Charity begins at home. We want to help those in need in whatever way possible.”Gupta added that Delhi govt would work with various stakeholders associated with VDHM to support its smooth conduct and make the upcoming edition a successful event.Now in its 21st edition, the half marathon has become a fixture on Delhi’s annual sporting calendar. Tourism minister Kapil Mishra said large sporting events “add to the branding and tourism of the city when they become part of the annual calendar”.The finisher’s medal has been crafted from pure zinc sourced from Hindustan Zinc’s Zawar mines in Udaipur. According to the organisers, its new design symbolises endurance and strength, with every runner completing the race receiving one. World Athletics Gold Label race will be flagged off from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Oct 18, with thousands of runners from India and abroad expected to participate.Priya Agarwal Hebbar, chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd and non-executive director of Vedanta Ltd, said the event was also tied to #RunForZeroHunger campaign, under which participation supports efforts to provide food to children and animals in need. “Every kilometre run carries an inspiring purpose,” she said.Shreepad Shende, chief marketing officer of IDFC FIRST Bank, said the half marathon had grown over the years beyond being just a sporting event. He described it as “a movement that celebrates fitness, resilience and collective wellbeing”.Vivek Singh, joint managing director of Procam International, said organisers tried to ensure that the finisher’s medal carried a larger meaning for participants and served as a lasting reminder of the race. “Every year, we strive to create a medal that carries meaning and becomes a cherished memory for every runner,” he said.
