Paradip Port Authority (PPA) celebrated its 65th Port Foundation Day by organising the 20th edition of the Paradip Marathon, conducted by the Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad of Paradip Port Authority. The marathon was flagged off from Hanuman Temple Square by P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA, in the presence of T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, PPA, who attended as Guest of Honour.
The 14-km race concluded at Gopabandhu Stadium amid enthusiastic participation and support from residents of the port township and various organisations. A total of 336 runners took part in the event, including 280 men and 56 women.
Addressing the valedictory function at Gopabandhu Stadium as Chief Guest, Haranadh recalled that Paradip Port Authority, whose foundation stone was laid on 3 January 1962, has evolved from a small jetty into one of India’s leading major ports. He highlighted that Paradip Port is currently the largest major port in the country in terms of rated capacity, achieves the best berth productivity among Indian major ports, and is the most cost-efficient major port in India. With ongoing modernisation initiatives, a strong emphasis on green development, and sustained focus on employee welfare, he said the port is steadily progressing towards achieving a capacity of 400 MMT by 2030. He added that the Paradip Marathon symbolises the same spirit of growth, discipline, and collective participation that defines the port’s journey.
On the occasion, Odisha’s emerging sprint star Pratik Maharana was specially felicitated by the Chairman, PPA. Maharana recently won a bronze medal in the men’s 200 m event and was part of the Indian men’s 4×100 m relay team that secured silver at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025.
In the men’s category, Ashok Dandasena of Odisha Police clinched first place in Paradip Marathon 2026 with a timing of 43 minutes 52.2 seconds. Gulson Dung Dung of Ranchi finished second in 44 minutes 11.9 seconds, followed by Rakesh Mahanta of Jharkhand, who secured third place with a timing of 44 minutes 18.3 seconds.
In the women’s category, Anita Das of Jharkhand emerged winner, completing the race in 51 minutes 08.4 seconds. Sandhya Murmu from Mayurbhanj finished second with a timing of 54 minutes 24.2 seconds, while Basanti Mandia of Odisha Police secured third place in 54 minutes 51.6 seconds.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, PPA, along with Heads of Departments of Paradip Port Authority.
The marathon was conducted smoothly by officials and technical members of the Paradip Port Sports Council under the leadership of H. S. Rout, President; Dr. D. P. Sethi, Working President; and Shri Dhuna Chandra Tarai, Secretary, Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad, with support from officials of the Odisha Olympic Association.
