More than 49,000 young students from different parts of the country, along with 1700 visually impaired and 250 differently-abled children, took part in the 19th edition of Coca-Cola Salwan Cross Country Run, which is touted as the world's largest race for school children.
The joy, enthusiasm and fervour was palpable in the air as the students from 800 schools across the country lined up for the run.
The run brings together students from various schools across India, including many from the North-East, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The race was made extra special with the participation of more than 1700 visually impaired and 250 differently-abled children, who with their energy, made the morning a truly special one.
The race was flagged off by Lt General Rajiv Bhalla, Director General Military Training and also witnessed participation by Olympians -- boxer Shiva Thapa, 20km race walker K T Irfan and 400m runner M R Poovamma. The trio ran alongside visually impaired children as volunteers.
The race had participants in eight different categories -- visually impaired, intellectually challenged (4.5 kms), Under-14 Girls and Boys (4.5 kms), Under-16 Girls and Boys (6 kms) and Under-18 Girls and Boys races (8 kms).
In an effort to promote the principles of fair play, the organisers conducted age verification checks and dope tests on the top 20 winners across all categories to ensure a level playing field.
