SportsPosted at: Sep 27 2026 5:11PM


Our youngsters are future & we have to give them right opportunities: Shikhar Dhawan

Faridabad, Sep 27 (UNI) Youth icon and Arjuna Awardee Shikhar Dhawan inspired thousands of participants at the Faridabad Namo Half Marathon 2026, the drug-free Haryana Uday - community policing and outreach programme, held at the Surajkund Mela Ground on Sunday under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, with the campaign encouraging young people to choose fitness and healthier lifestyles.
Shikhar Dhawan joined Chief Minister of Haryana Nayab Singh Saini, at the flag-off, lending his voice to the campaign’s message of encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and embrace fitness, sport and healthier lifestyles.
The Shikhar Dhawan Foundation (SDF), the philanthropic arm of Da One Group, is committed to creating pathways that help young people learn, grow and move towards a brighter future.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Saini said, “The future of Haryana lies in the hands of its young people, and it is our responsibility to create an environment where they can grow, thrive and realise their potential. Sport plays a powerful role in inspiring discipline, confidence and positive choices. It is a pleasure to have Shikhar Dhawan alongside us today. He has made the country proud through his achievements and is a glowing example of what dedication and perseverance can help a young person achieve. I believe his journey has inspired thousands of youngsters, many of whom will go on to make Haryana and our nation proud.”
Shikhar Dhawan said, “At the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, we believe that our youngsters are the future, and our responsibility is to give them the opportunities and environment to build a better tomorrow. Sport has been a big part of my journey and has taught me the value of discipline, hard work and staying focused on your goals. I am very happy to associate with the Government of Haryana for the Faridabad Namo Half Marathon under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and support this important message at Haryana Uday. This is not just a marathon; it is a message to stay away from drugs, choose fitness and move towards a healthier, stronger future for our youth.”
Shri Pankaj Nain, IPS, Special Officer (Community Policing & Outreach), Chief Minister’s Office, Haryana, said, “What we witnessed in Faridabad today is truly extraordinary. With nearly 1.2 lakh people coming together, this has become our largest participation yet and a proud milestone for Haryana. Over the last three years, through Haryana Uday, our community outreach initiatives and marathons across the State have collectively engaged over 10 lakh people. But these numbers represent something much bigger — lakhs of citizens choosing fitness, community, a drug-free life and a stronger Haryana."
"This achievement belongs to the people of Faridabad, the district administration, Haryana Police, our volunteers and every citizen who participated. My heartiest congratulations to DC Faridabad and the entire team for setting a new benchmark. This is not merely a record for Faridabad; it is a proud moment for the whole of Haryana,” Nain said.
Anshita Gupta, CEO, Da One Group, said, “We are proud to support the Government of Haryana’s vision for a healthier and more empowered future generation. This vision strongly resonates with the work of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, where we focus on creating access to opportunities through sport, education and youth development. Inspired by Shikhar’s vision of using sport and his journey to create positive impact, we remain committed to empowering more young people to find their direction, purpose and path to a better tomorrow.”
The association builds on SDF’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and sport-led social impact, with the Foundation continuing to support initiatives that create opportunities for young people to develop their potential and build healthier, more purposeful futures.
UNI BM
Tags: #Our youngsters are future & we have to give them right opportunities: Shikhar Dhawan
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