Pune Marathon dress rehearsal for '08 CYG : Kalmadi

Pune, Nov 19 (UNI) Hutch Pune International Marathon, the most sought after mega annual event to be flagged off here on November 26, will be the dress rehearsal for the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG), observed Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi while addressing the organising committee meet of the event.

Kalmadi, the city MP, also the chairman of the Pune International Marathon (PIMT) added that the country's oldest marathon would be seen as the fore runner to the 2008 CYG. The PIMT would be looking forward to the 25th edition of the annual event will not only go down in the annals of the country's athletic history but to be the world's best even surpassing the 'New York' Marathon, the IOA chief assured the august gathering.

Renowned sportspersons, oganizers, top brass from army and police were present for the meeting held late last night at the spacious hall of the newly-built PYC Gymkhana.

Kalmadi also expressed satisfaction that the partenership with 'Hutch' as the main sponsors for last two years has certainly given the right impetus and financial support to the event and hoped that it would continue even after reaching and celebrating the silver jubilee of the event.

''Going by the past response from the sports minded people of the city, I have no hesitation in my mind that the marathoners from the foreign countries would be given tumultuous welcome when they converge on to the city,'' Mr Kalmadi hoped.

The marathon which has touched the imagination of the Punekars has been also dedicated to a social cause of creating awareness regarding AIDS for the past two years. Apart from the ''run for fun and fitness'', the charity 4.5 kms run has gained the right momentum and expected to have 10,000 celebrities from all walks of life including IT, corporate and bollywood which will make the event a colourful extravaganza, the city MP pointed out.

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