India's youth have the potential to excel in the field of sports: MP Sahney

NEW-DELHI: Flagging off the 5K Baisakhi Marathon with 112-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh in Delhi on Sunday, Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahney said that It has become more important that we motivate our youth towards sports to stay healthy. Today's lifestyle and job profile has many adverse effects on the health of our youth, leading to many health related problems. India's youth have the potential to excel in the field of sports, but they, especially the youth living in rural areas, need encouragement.

Addressing the event, Vikramjit Sahney said that the purpose of the marathon is to commemorate the great contribution of Punjabis in India's freedom struggle in the annihilation of India's freedom. It is the duty of the government and the society to channelize their energy instead of drowning in drugs. 

He also mentioned 'Manas ki Jaat Sabh Ek Pahchanbo' from Gurbani while announcing the theme of the marathon as 'Ek Daud (Run)-Manukhi Daud'. Sikh Superman 112-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh flagged off the 5K Baisakhi Marathon organized under the patronage of Rajya Sabha Member and President Sun Foundation, International President and President Vishwa Punjabi Sanstha Padma Vikramjit Sahney.

Legendary marathoner Fauja Singh said that keeping fit and running every day is essential to ward off all evils. Meanwhile, more than 2000 participants participated in the 5K Baisakhi Super Sikh Run, which was graced by Gurbachan Singh Randhawa and Bishan Singh Bedi.

People wearing orange turbans were running in the marathon led by turbaned bikers. The slogan of the marathon was "Proud to be an Indian - Proud to be a Sikh". The program concluded with colorful Bhangra and Gatka.