'Grameen Marathon' kick-started in Delhi

The Union Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports organised the first 'Grameen Marathon' for the rural youth here today, which attracted 11,000 participants.
Arjuna awardee and ace badminton coach Pullela Gopichand flagged off the marathon from Nizampur village in Northwest Delhi. He encouraged the young participants saying this platform would bring forward the hidden talent in rural areas.
Gopichand termed the event "a unique initiative" by the sports ministry headed by Vijay Goel.
The event was also attended by BJP MPs Udit Raj and Maheish Girri.
More such marathons will be organised in Delhi, according to a press note from the ministry.

Goel had earlier said that such initiatives would go a long way in providing a platform to talented youngsters to represent India.
"A major chunk of our players come from rural and tribal regions and hence it is vital for us to organise such sporting events that help them grow and provides us chance to train them further so that they represent India," Goel had said.
The first three position holders received a prize money of Rs 21,000, Rs 11,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively in each category (Boys and Girls) along with 10 consolation prizes.