Namo Yuva Run promotes healthy, drug-free youth in Raipur and Bilaspur

RAIPUR: The "Namo Yuva Run" was organised in Raipur and Bilaspur on Sunday to promote a healthy and drug-free India. The run saw enthusiastic participation from young people. The event, aimed at keeping the youth fit and free from drug addiction, was held simultaneously in 75 cities across the country.

About 20,000 participants had registered for the run in Raipur and Bilaspur. The run in the state capital, Raipur, began at Telibandha lake and concluded at Subhash Stadium. In Bilaspur, it started at the CMD College ground and ended at River View Road. Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao flagged off the run in Raipur. International and national athletes from the state joined the youth in a symbolic start to the event. In his address, Sao said the run was organised to raise awareness for a healthy, capable, and drug-free youth. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to promote sports and the youth in the country, with various schemes and programmes strengthening the youth. Sao said the state government wants to connect every young person with sports to keep them fit and away from addiction. He stressed that a healthy, enthusiastic, and confident youth is crucial for the nation's prosperity.

He appealed to everyone present to pledge for a healthy and drug-free India. The deputy CM presented awards to the winners at the run's concluding ceremony at Subhash Stadium. In the men's category, Arjun Rai, Akshay Kumar, and Chandraprakash secured the first, second, and third positions, respectively. In the women's category, Vanshika Patel was first, followed by Rukmini Sahu and Chanchal Yadav in second and third place. The first, second, and third-place winners received prize money of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000.

International, national, and Bastar Olympics icon players shared the stage with the chief guest and other dignitaries.

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