Kolkata: As the winter is slowly leaving the City of Joy and the autumn is knocking the door, almost 10,000 were present in Maidan with the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar early in the morning today to take part in the second IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Full Marathon.
Along with the other runners of all ages, blade runner Afzal Khan too took part in this grand occasion.
“We all have our days when we look for excuses not to get up, get out and exercise. This young man leaves no room for any. You are an inspiration blade runner, Afzal Khan. Keep running,” Tendulkar posted on Twitter posing with Afzal.
“It’s great to see ho so many people from all walks of life joined us in this fitness endeavour,” Tendulkar said as he also posted his selfie with the runners.
The Master Blaster cheered for them, posed for selfies and even obliged his fans with autographs from the stage as the Indian icon ensured that every participant returned home with happy memories.
“Kemon acho Kolkata,” Tendulkar greeted the participants while flagging off the marathon.
Describing it as an electrifying atmosphere, Tendulkar said: “Every time we have come here, we’ve seen better response.
“We are all talking about India’s health and future generation being aware of how important it is to remain in good health.”
Tendulkar was gifted a bracelet by the young girls of Ek Tara, an NGO as he pointed at it and said: “I’m wearing this… They are all teenagers, young girls. It means a lot to me.
“When I saw these kids standing on the front row, my message to all the seniors was catch them if you can. They are going to run way. It’s time to keep up with them. They have got the message.”
“It’s important that seniors also respond to that. So far it has been fantastic, let’s make it even better,” he concluded.