Over 52,000 children take part in Salwan run

Over 52,000 children, including more than 2,800 visually impaired and differently-abled kids, from all across the country took part in the Salwan Marathon held here on Sunday.

The annual run brought together students from various schools across India. The event categorised participants in eight different categories -- visually impaired, differently-abled (4.5 kms), Under 14 Girls and Boys (4.5 kms), Under 16 Girls and Boys (6 kms) and Under 18 Girls and Boys (8 kms) races.

The Army Equestrian Centre, Brar Square at the Delhi Cantonment played the perfect host to the event and the enthusiasm of the children was palpable as they gave it their all.

The carnival-like atmosphere, with dhol, nagaras, a jazz band from Mount Saint Mary's School, bhangra, magic shows, and the like, added their bit to add to the excitement. But it was serious business once the competition started where every participant wanted to express themselves.

Indian Olympians Shiva Thapa, one of India's most exciting young boxers, and Manpreet Kaur, who is the Indian national record holder in shotput, added more sheen to the event as they took part in the race for visually impaired children as volunteers.

Also present was Tarun Singh Gahlan, who is a visually impaired horse rider and singer, whose inspiring story moved everyone at the event.

--IANS

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