Sports Dept invites Mandaviya for unveiling marathon logo

The UT Sports Department has invited Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for a cash award function and for the launch of some other projects, including unveiling the logo of 1st Chandigarh Marathon.

The department is planning to host the Chandigarh Marathon on the lines of Mumbai and Delhi (half) marathons in October by inviting international runners as well, highly placed sources claimed. “We have invited the Sports Minister and a confirmation is awaited,” confirmed a source. The department has invited the minister for handing over cash awards to international and national sportspersons, along with launching the marathon logo, inaugurating first-ever chess clubs at Sector 8 and 39 sports complexes and opening the newly build Snooker and Billiards Centres at the Sector 42 Sports Complex, which is getting final touches. “Initially, the department was planning to conduct the ceremony for cash awards. However, now more programmes have been included. The event is likely to take place in the second or third week of next month,” added the source.

Recently, the department has prepared a prototype software for the benefit of Chandigarh’s meritorious sportspersons who struggle to apply for cash awards. The software will allow local sportspersons to upload and upgrade their achievements online at regular intervals. It will also help officials track those eligible for cash awards.

In March, The Tribune had reported the Sports Department’s plan to conduct a marathon in October, which will see participation of international runners as well.

The event was earlier scheduled for January in the annual sports calendar 2024-25.The participants will be competing in various categories, including 42.195 km (full marathon), 21 km (half marathon), 10 km and 5 km, and the winners will get cash awards.

Meanwhile, the chess clubs will be introduced for the first time in the history of the department. Thirty-two tables each will be set up at both centres. A state-of-the-art graphics gallery is also prepared at these two centres to motivate players. The Sector 39 complex houses an indoor swimming pool, while the Sector 8 complex has a swimming centre and badminton coaching facility. Also, the Snooker and Billiards Centre at the Sector 42 Sports Complex — an under construction project — is also the first such centre under the Sports Department. In the past, the city had hosted the 18th Asian Billiards, 20th U-21 Asian Snooker and the 3rd Ladies Asian Snooker Championships.

Chandigarh