Marathon in 23 villages of Sultanpur Lodhi, says Arjuna awardee

Around two months ago, a village-level marathon was held in Dabulia village, in Sultanpur Lodhi, in Kapurthala district. The marathon was given the title, ‘Tandrust Dabulia’, where villagers ran with a message to shun drugs.

The initiative was taken by Arjuna awardee Sajjan Singh Cheema. He is also the halqa in-charge of Sultanpur Lodhi. He said that the motive is to create a healthy village and ultimately a healthy Punjab. Now, the initiative will be given an expansion as the marathon will be held in 23 other villages of Sultanpur Lodhi for which preparations have already been started.

Sajjan Singh Cheema said that after the Ludhiana bypoll is over, the marathon will be held in 23 villages of Sultanpur Lodhi on the same day. “This will be linked with ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign. The date has not been decided yet, but the 23 block officers have been asked to make preparations in one village each,” he told The Tribune.

Notably, in Dabulia, 400 participants had run, including five and six year olds. Some had even completed 14 kilometres, running from the stadium in Dabulia village to the Kapurthala octroi post. They were given an award of Rs 1,100. To encourage those who took part, lucky draws were also held in which pairs of shoes were given to those who won.

Dabulia has made great contribution in the field of sports as five from the village are athletes of national and international fame. Now, Dabulia village will become an example for the next marathons to be held in the constituency.