New Delhi: More than 15,000 people took part in the Soldierathon marathon held in the capital in remembrance of the war heroes and martyrs on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, marking India’s crushing victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.  

A host of dignitaries, including Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Satyapal Singh, Union cabinet minister, took part in the run along with Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Subedar Sanjay Singh.

The organiser of the event and Special Forces veteran Maj Surendra Poonia said that the proceeds of the event would be donated for the welfare of war widows and families of the martyrs.

Last year, the organisers had donated a significant portion of the proceeds towards the paraplegic soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Indian Army and other armed forces extended support to Poonia for organising the run, which has been successful in generating awareness about the cause of the armed forces.