The city of Nagpur is set to celebrate the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with a spirited sporting event. The Amdar sports organising committee of Central Nagpur will host the 'Atal Daud' at Chitnis Park in Mahal on December 25.
Race Categories and Lucrative Prize Money
Organisers have planned five distinct distance races to cater to various age groups and genders. The details were announced by Padmakar Charmode during a press conference on Wednesday. The flagship event is a 10km race for open men, where the champion will win a cash prize of Rs 21,000. For open women, a 7km race has been scheduled, with the top finisher earning Rs 15,000.
Young athletes under the age of 16 will also get their moment to shine. Both boys and girls in the U-16 category can participate in a 3km race. The winner in each of these junior categories will be rewarded with Rs 11,000. Additionally, to encourage wider participation, a 2 km fun run will be organised for amateur runners.
Event Logistics and Participant Benefits
Ashfaque Sheikh, while outlining the route, confirmed that "All the five races will begin and conclude at the Chitnis Park." This centralised start and finish point is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
Every registered runner will receive a commemorative T-shirt. As a special incentive for amateur enthusiasts, the top 2,500 finishers in the amateur run category will be awarded finishers' medals. Vivek Awsare revealed that a substantial total prize money of Rs 2.91 lakh will be distributed among the top ten finishers across the four competitive categories.
A Fitting Tribute to a Visionary Leader
The Atal Daud serves as a dynamic and community-driven tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a leader known for his unifying vision. By promoting fitness and competitive spirit across generations, the event aims to embody the values he stood for. The significant prize pool and inclusive race categories are designed to attract serious athletes as well as casual runners, making it a landmark event on Nagpur's sporting calendar.
With the stage set at Chitnis Park, Nagpur awaits a morning filled with energy, competition, and remembrance on Christmas Day.
