New Delhi, 04 September 2023: Amarjeet Singh Chawla lost his vision completely at the age of 40, but that didn’t deter him from being a voracious runner. The 67-year-old has taken part in marathons in 29 cities in India and will be running his 150th-timed Half Marathon at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, which is scheduled on 15 October 2023.
Speaking about his running journey, Chawla said, “I lost my vision completely at the age of 40. The 5.9km Dream Run at the Mumbai Marathon in 2004 was my first running event. Then, I got addicted to running. I started running Half Marathons in 2005. Thereafter, I have taken part in marathons all over India.”
Chawla also spoke about how he carries out marathons, “I run with one or two escorts with me. Either I hold their hand or a stick, which is being held by my escort at the other end. And my escorts guide me throughout any marathon I take part in. I have run with a total of 126 escorts during my running journey. ”
The marathoner further added, “It was quite difficult to get escorts when I started running. Some of the corporate employees helped me run the Dream Run in 2004 as escorts. But now people recognize me during events and they ask me if they can escort me.”
When asked about his longest marathon, the 67-year-old said, “My longest marathon has been a run which began in Mumbai and ended in Pune. The event was hosted to raise awareness for eye care. I was very happy to be a part of this marathon and it was organized in 2019. It took me three days to complete the run. I remember the weather was quite hot as well.”
Chawla also said that he always looks to enjoy his run and not worry too much about the timing, “Sometimes, while running a marathon, I stop and start dancing with people. If I see a group of people playing the Dhol, then I take a break and dance with the group.”
The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon will be held on 15 October 2023. Registration for all physical race categories — Half marathon, Open 10K, Great Delhi Run (Approx.4.5km), Senior Citizens’ Run (Approx.2.5km) and the Champions with Disability Run (Approx. 2.5km) is open until 11:59 PM on Friday, 22nd September 2023 or until spots are filled, whichever is earlier.
ABOUT VEDANTA LIMITED
Vedanta Limited (“Vedanta”), a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, is one of the world’s leading natural resources companies spanning across India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Korea, Taiwan and Japan with significant operations in Oil & Gas, Zinc, Lead, Silver, Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, Nickel, Aluminium, Power & Glass Substrate and foraying into semiconductors and display glass. For two decades, Vedanta has been contributing significantly to nation building. Governance and sustainable development are at the core of Vedanta’s strategy, with a strong focus on health, safety, and environment. Vedanta has put in place a comprehensive framework to be the ESG leader in the natural resources sector, is committed to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner and aims to spend $5 billion over the next 10 years to accelerate this transition. Giving back is in the DNA of Vedanta, which is focused on enhancing the lives of local communities. Anil Agarwal Foundation, the umbrella entity for Vedanta’s social initiatives, has pledged Rs 5000 crore over the next five years on various social impact programs and its flagship project, Nand Ghar is setting up model anganwadis across India. Vedanta Ltd. has been listed in Dow Jones Sustainability World Index 2022, conferred Golden Peacock Award for excellence in Corporate Governance 2022 and certified as a Great Place to Work 2023. Vedanta Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.
ABOUT IDFC FIRST BANK
IDFC FIRST Bank’s vision is to build a world-class bank in India that’s guided by ethics, powered by technology, and a force for social good.
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ABOUT PROCAM INTERNATIONAL
Since its inception in 1988, Procam International has been the driving force behind the growth and development of sports management in India. Founded by Anil and Vivek Singh, Procam is India’s premier sports management company and is involved in live events, sports consultancy, and live television production.
With astute planning and exemplary execution, Procam has a track record of conceptualising and promoting over 100 international events, across the disciplines of Powerboat Racing, Cricket, Football, Tennis, Distance Running, Squash, WWE, Horse Racing, Volleyball, among others. These events have elicited participation of the highest calibre of athletes and huge public interest and attendance.
Pioneers of the distance running movement in India, Procam International’s Big 4 – Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K and Tata Steel Kolkata 25 K — are global leaders in their respective distances. They have ushered in a running revolution that has helped redefine, the health, fitness, and ‘giving’ paradigm of our country.
