Sports

Durgapur is set to make its mark on India's sporting calendar with the launch of the inaugural Durgapur International Marathon 2026, a marquee event under the Lalbaba Rice Durgapur Sports Carnival 2026, organised by Durgapur Club Samannay. Founded by a group of like-minded citizens, Durgapur Club Samannay is committed to the development of sports and cultural activities aimed at youth empowerment and social welfare across Durgapur and neighbouring districts.

 

The Durgapur International Marathon 2026-'Run for Unity' will be held on Sunday, 25 January 2026, and is expected to attract runners from across India and overseas. The marathon will feature four race categories: 21 km (Half Marathon), 10 km, 5 km, 2 km (Fun Run). With a total prize purse of 5 lakh for the 21 km and 10 km categories, the event aims to encourage competitive excellence while promoting mass participation. All registered runners will receive official T-shirts, finisher medals, and digitally timed certificates. The marathon is one of the prime highlights of the Lalbaba Rice Durgapur Sports Carnival 2026, an ambitious multi-sport festival featuring both indoor and outdoor disciplines, including Badminton, Basketball, Kho-Kho, Table Tennis, Football, and Cricket, with competitions for both men and women. In a significant boost to the initiative, the Bengal Olympic Association (BOA) has extended its support to the sports carnival, reinforcing the shared vision of nurturing grassroots talent and preparing young athletes for state, national, and international representation.

 

 

Several eminent personalities from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and administration are expected to attend the event, including: Mr. Sourav Ganguly, Former Indian Cricket Team Captain, Mr. Jose Barreto, Former Indian Footballer, Ms. Puja Banerjee, Film Actress, Ms. Saini Sarkar, Mrs India, Mr. Ajit Banerjee, President, Indian Football Association (IFA), Mr. Chandan Roy Choudhury, President, Bengal Olympic Association, Mr. Partha Sarathi Nandy, Lalbaba Rice (Title Sponsor), Mr. Sundeep De, President, Durgapur Club Samannay, Mr. Prasanta Saha, Race Director at Durgapur International Marathon.

 

Speaking on Lalbaba Rice's association with the event, Director, Lalbaba Rice, said, "At Lalbaba Rice, we firmly believe that sports play a vital role in shaping not just strong athletes, but stronger human beings. Our association as the prime sponsor of the Durgapur International Marathon and the Lalbaba Rice Durgapur Sports Carnival reflects our core organisational values of human development, discipline, and collective progress. By supporting platforms that encourage fitness, unity, and youth participation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to building a healthier, more empowered society."

 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sundeep De, President of Durgapur Club Samannay, said, "The Durgapur International Marathon and Sports Carnival are our humble effort to build a strong sporting culture in the region and inspire the next generation to adopt fitness, discipline, and excellence through sports."