New Delhi : The 4th Half Marathon, organized by the Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports Board (CCSCSB) under the auspices of the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) in collaboration with the Youth Hostel Association of India (YHAI), was held on 16th March 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The event featured three race categories—21 km, 10 km, and 5 km—designed to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyle across all age groups, from 10 to 60 years. A total of 1,072 individuals including 833 males and 239 females participated in the Half Marathon.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Praveen Kumar, a young and accomplished Indian Paralympic athlete, as the Guest of Honour, senior officers of DoPT, along with Manoj Johri, National Chairperson of YHAI, Amod Kanth, IPS (Retd), former DGP and several YHAI officials, and officials of other Departments. Praveen Kumar has brought immense pride to the nation with his exceptional performances in international competitions. He is a recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2024), India’s highest sporting honor, and was previously honored with the Arjuna Award (2021) for his outstanding achievements in para-athletics.
The race was flagged off by the Joint Secretary (Welfare) DoPT and Director (Welfare) DoPT along with senior YHAI officials. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Government officials and all races were completed on time ensuring its overall success. Comprehensive arrangements were made for the participants, including registration and baggage counters, help desk, warm-up and Zumba areas, cool-down zones, refreshments, physiotherapists, medical team, and ambulances stationed both at the stadium and along the marathon route. Finishing participants were awarded medals, while the winners in each category were presented with trophies and prize cheques. A total of 18 winners—9 males and 9 females—received prizes in the three race categories.
Praveen Kumar, the Guest of Honour, was accorded a warm welcome. In his address to the participants, he commended their dedication and enthusiasm, and encouraged them to pursue sports and fitness with passion. His presence was a source of great motivation for the participants, especially the younger generation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks to all participants and organisers for their enthusiastic participation, making the half marathon a huge success.