Chandigarh, September 6: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the youth of Haryana have resolved to fight a decisive battle against drugs, and this enthusiasm among the youth will give a new direction to the campaign to make the state drug-free. He said that the Haryana Government has put in place a robust system focusing on enforcement, awareness, treatment and rehabilitation to tackle the challenge of drug abuse.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing the Half Marathon organised in Rewari on Sunday as the Chief Guest, with the objective of taking the resolve of ‘Nasha Mukt Haryana-Khel Yukt Haryana’ to every section of society and connecting youth with sports to create a strong social environment against drugs. The grand marathon was organised on the theme ‘Nashe se jung, Rewari ke sang’. Rewari MLA Sh. Laxman Yadav, Bawal MLA Dr. Krishan Kumar, Kosli MLA Sh. Anil Yadav, Nalwa MLA Sh. Randhir Panihar, Sh. Pankaj Nain, and the marathon’s brand ambassador, Commonwealth Games 2026 para-athletics gold medallist Sharmila Dhankhar, among other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
Before flagging off the marathon, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that there can be no place for a social evil like drug abuse on the land of Rewari, known for valour, hard work and patriotism. He said that the drug problem did not emerge suddenly but is a long-standing challenge that was not given serious attention earlier. Over the past 12 years, the Haryana Government has viewed this problem not through a political lens, but in the context of the future of Haryana’s families and youth. The government is committed to taking effective and concrete steps against drugs and providing youth with a safe and positive environment.
The Chief Minister said that a drug-free youth is the foundation of a happy family, skilled youth will build a prosperous Haryana, and determined youth will become the strength of a developed and self-reliant India.
Chief Minister seeks cooperation from youth in raising public awareness against drugs
Calling upon the youth to actively participate in the public awareness campaign against drugs, Chief Minister Saini said that if they find anyone around them involved in drug sales or activities such as drug peddling, they should not remain silent. One piece of information from them can save the life of a young person and prevent a family from losing its hope.
He said that if every young person takes responsibility for making at least 10 other youngsters aware of the harmful effects of drugs, this resolve can soon take the form of a massive mass movement. He informed that a toll-free anti-drug helpline number, 9050891508, has been launched to assist drug-affected persons and provide information about drug-peddling activities. In addition, complaints related to narcotic substances can also be registered through the ‘MANAS’ portal and helpline number 1933.
The Chief Minister said that the identity of complainants is kept completely confidential. Therefore, citizens should participate in the campaign against drugs without any fear. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also administered an oath to those present to participate in the ongoing campaign against drugs.
Chief Minister boosts the morale of over 50,000 runners
During the Half Marathon, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini showered flowers on more than 50,000 runners and other participants from the flag-off stage, boosting their enthusiasm. Flowers were also showered on over 50,000 runners through drones along the marathon track.
The warm welcome extended by the Chief Minister created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement among the runners. The sight of flowers raining down from the sky, along with the energetic participation of the runners, remained one of the major attractions of the event. Amid the flower shower, the runners also enthusiastically greeted the Chief Minister and participated in the marathon with full zeal.
Chief Minister reaches marathon track and encourages runners
After flagging off thousands of runners participating in the run, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini himself reached the marathon track and ran alongside the participants, encouraging them. Seeing the Chief Minister running among them generated considerable enthusiasm and excitement among the runners.
During this, the Chief Minister waved to the participants taking part in the marathon and encouraged them. He also planted saplings in the greenbelt along the marathon track, conveying the message of environmental conservation.
Cultural performances boost the enthusiasm of youth
Various cultural performances, from the flag-off stage to the marathon track, remained a major attraction during the marathon. Performances by singers Naveen Poonia and Satyan Lamba at the flag-off stage filled the atmosphere with enthusiasm and excitement.
At various cultural points set up along the marathon track, students from different schools of the district presented cultural programmes and worked to energise the runners. Sand art and exhibitions conveying the message of a drug-free Haryana also spread awareness among the participants.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini honoured the winners of the Rewari Marathon, which concluded with record participation, by presenting them cash prizes and certificates of appreciation at the stage set up in front of Rao Tula Ram Stadium.
The 10-kilometre Half Marathon, which started at 6 a.m., was won by Monu Kumar in the men’s category. Dharmendra secured second place, while Ramsangrup won the third prize. In the women’s category of the same marathon, Sarita Pal secured first place. Sonika won the second prize, while Neeta Rani secured third place and received the award from the Chief Minister.
The 5-kilometre marathon, which started at 7 a.m., saw Yash secure the first prize in the men’s category. Pankaj stood second, while Shankardayal secured third place. In the women’s category, Pooja finished first, followed by Sonia in second place and Neelam in third place.
The Chief Minister awarded cheques of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 21,000, respectively, along with certificates of appreciation, to the first three winners of the 10-kilometre race. Similarly, the runners securing the first three positions in the 5-kilometre race were awarded incentive amounts of Rs. 5,100, Rs. 3,100 and Rs. 2,100, respectively. Para-athlete Sharmila Dhankhar was also honoured on the occasion.
