Delhi: John Abraham, Sachin Tendulkar salute CRPF jawans at half marathon
The former cricketer flagged off the marathon in the presence of Dilip Trivedi, DG, CRPF, film actor Nana Patekar and sportspersons Vijender Singh, Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt at the half marathon diamond jubilee celebration of the paramilitary force.
Sachin said, “I congratulate the CRPF on their diamond jubilee. I am happy to be here. I have always emphasized the importance of sports for children. Narendra Modiji ne Swachh Bharat abhiyan ki shuruaat kari hai. Along with that, we should also begin a campaign for a healthy India and it is only possible through sports.” Sachin also thanked the jawans of the armed forces as they were the ones who ensured that people felt safe. “We get to celebrate festivals because you guys are on duty away from your families during such occasions. You are the pride of our nation.” Trivedi said, “This marathon has been organized to honour martyrs. Also, we want to tell the common man what the CRPF is doing.”
Patekar said, “There are mixed feelings of joy and sorrow that one is experiencing today. There’s sadness, because we have lost several jawans in various attacks, and there’s joy because many people are taking inspiration from them and participating in the event. I have participated in the CRPF shooting competition and have also served for three years in the Army. Ek rishta toh ban hi jaata hai phir armed forces se. Civilians never thank the armed forces for their achievements, so this is also a way to tell them what the forces are doing.”
Later, John Abraham too came to flag off the Fun Run segment and fans went berserk seeing the actor, so much so that the security had difficulty in controlling the crowd. John said, “It feels great to be here. It feels great to be an Indian today. I congratulate all the marathon runners. Ekees kilometer bhaagna koi mazaak nahi hai. I also salute all the CRPF jawans. The CRPF is the world’s largest paramilitary force. We are always there for you.” He then asked Patekar to say a few words, who said, “Main tere se pehle bol chuka. Tu late ho gaya.”
TV actor Rajesh Kumar was also present at the marathon. He told us, “I am feeling blessed to be sharing the stage with Sachin Tendulkar. The cause is so unique. Being a part of it makes me feel more Indian.”
