Thousands of schoolchildren in Panipat take part in marathon ahead of IDY 2025

Thousands of schoolchildren in Panipat take part in marathon ahead of IDY 2025

In the run-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga, thousands of schoolchildren from across Panipat participated in a marathon on Friday to promote awareness about the benefits of yoga.

The event, flagged off by nodal officer Sneh Lata at Shivaji Stadium, was part of a district-level rehearsal for Saturday’s celebrations.

“Tomorrow marks the 11th International Yoga Day, and Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana will be present as the chief guest. Today’s marathon is more than just a physical exercise — it carries a message,” said Lata. “These children are helping raise awareness about the value of yoga in everyday life.”

District Education Officer Rakesh Boora said that over 4,000 students from 22 schools will take part in Saturday’s programme. “Yoga is a time-tested tool for improving physical and mental well-being. Our students are helping take that message to the community,” he said.

The central theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underlining the connection between individual wellness and planetary health.

Now in its 11th year, International Yoga Day was first observed in 2015 following a resolution moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations in 2014. The inaugural celebration in New Delhi set two Guinness World Records — one for the largest yoga session and another for the most nationalities participating in a single event.

This year, the Centre has lined up 10 key initiatives including Yoga Sangam, a nationwide demonstration drive at 1 lakh locations. Other events include Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Park, Harit Yoga, and Yoga Mahakumbh.