Jaipur Witnesses Spectacular Display of Community Spirit at Vedanta Marathon
The historic pink city of Jaipur came alive with energy and purpose as the 10th edition of the Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon (VPCHM) concluded on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in community-driven social change. The event transformed into a massive movement with nearly 15,000 enthusiastic runners participating to support Vedanta's impactful #RunForZeroHunger campaign.
This year's marathon achieved an extraordinary feat by raising 1 lakh meals for children at Nand Ghars, Vedanta's flagship social impact project dedicated to transforming anganwadis across India. The innovative initiative ensured that every kilometer run by participants directly translated into one Poshan Pack or nutritional supplement for underprivileged children.
Winners Emerge Across Multiple Categories
The marathon featured three distinct categories catering to athletes of all skill levels. The 21-kilometer half marathon attracted professional athletes, while intermediate runners competed in the 10-kilometer cool run. Beginners and families enjoyed the 5-kilometer dream run, making the event inclusive for all age groups and fitness levels.
In the highly competitive 21-kilometer male category, Bablu Sisodia claimed the top position, followed by Versiram in second place and Yogesh securing third. The women's 21-kilometer race saw Ujala emerging victorious, with Kumari Parul finishing as runner-up and Bhumi Negi taking the third spot.
The 10-kilometer races witnessed equally impressive performances. Pawan Kumar dominated the male category, while Hukum Singh and Sanket Kadyan secured second and third positions respectively. In the women's 10-kilometer event, Saloni claimed the championship title, followed by Usha Sharma in second place and Mamta Choudhary in third.
Leadership Emphasizes Social Impact
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta Ltd. and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd., highlighted the event's transformative nature. "The Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon has evolved beyond a sporting event into a people's movement for a healthier India. What makes today truly special is that every step taken by every runner helps nourish a child," she stated.
She further emphasized Vedanta's commitment to Rajasthan, stating, "Rajasthan is at the heart of our Nand Ghar mission, and we are committed to scaling it further with the goal of developing 25,000 Nand Ghars in the state to ensure that every child and every woman has access to nutrition, education and opportunity."
Adding star power to the event, Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women's cricket team and international brand ambassador for VPCHM 2025, expressed her enthusiasm. "It's inspiring to see thousands run not only for fitness, but for a purpose that touches the lives of children at Nand Ghars across India. When sport is used as a force for good, it becomes even more powerful," she remarked.
Comprehensive Support and Legacy Building
The marathon, supported by Vedanta - India's leading energy transition metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology conglomerate - was organized by AnyBody Can Run (ABCR) and powered by Finova Capital. The event was officially flagged off at NRI Chauraha, Mahal Road in Jaipur by both Priya Agarwal Hebbar and Harmanpreet Kaur.
As part of the build-up to the main event, mini-marathons were organized in Jaipur and Barmer, bringing together community members and Vedanta employees for the noble cause. The initiative received additional support from Indian sprint athlete Sufiya Sufi and students from Vedanta PG Girls College in Reengus.
Each participant received a unique finisher's medal crafted from the purest high-grade zinc sourced from Rajasthan's Zawar Mines, produced by Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta subsidiary. This thoughtful gesture connected runners directly with the state's natural resources and Vedanta's mining operations.
The Nand Ghar initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, provides comprehensive support including nutrition, healthcare, early childhood education for children, alongside skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities for women. With over 10,000 Nand Ghars already operational across 16 states, the program continues to uplift rural communities by addressing hunger and empowering women.
VPCHM 2025 builds on Vedanta's established legacy of leveraging sports as a platform for fitness, community engagement and social impact. The company supports several major sporting events across India, including the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Udaipur, and the recently concluded Vedanta Tour de Thar in Bikaner.
Beyond marathons, Vedanta nurtures grassroots sporting talent through its acclaimed football development programs, including the Zinc Football Academy in Udaipur and the Sesa Football Academy in Goa, both known for producing national-level players. The company consistently promotes sports infrastructure and community fitness initiatives across its operational locations, reinforcing its belief in sports as a powerful catalyst for youth development and social transformation.
Through its subsidiaries Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta has been making significant multi-dimensional contributions to Rajasthan's sustainable growth, economic development, and community welfare. Hindustan Zinc Limited stands as the world's largest integrated zinc producer, while Cairn Oil & Gas represents the largest private oil and gas exploration and production company in India, accounting for more than 25% of the country's domestic crude oil production.
The 10th Vedanta Pink City Half Marathon successfully demonstrated how corporate initiatives, community participation, and sporting excellence can converge to create meaningful social impact, setting a remarkable precedent for future editions and similar events across the country.
