IIM Kozhikode to felicitate Arjuna Awardee Babita Phogat at Peekay Steel Calicut Half Marathon 2020

Kozhikode: IIM Kozhikode is also all set to honour Arjuna Awardee Mrs. Babita  Phogat with IIMK’s ‘National Excellence Award’ to mark the 11th edition of Peekay Steel Calicut Half Marathon to be held on 23rd February, 2020. The lead up events organised by IIMK in coordination with other stakeholders has brought citizens of Kozhikode town together to create a healthy environment awareness through the theme of the marathon, “Pursuit of Happiness: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind”  and has generated immeasurable  buzz about the event in the city.

Mrs. Phogat, awarded with the most coveted sports award in the country in 2015, has contributed immensely to Indian Wrestling and has been an epitome of inspiration for women across the country and the globe. Having represented India in Rio Olympics 2016, she became the toast of the nation with her gold medal triumph at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The much-admired grappler has also won silver medals at 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2010 Commonwealth Games in addition to a bronze medal at the 2012 World Wrestling Championships. The award which is a replica of the ‘Arise Arjuna’ statue present at IIM Kozhikode was instituted last year and was first conferred on Dr Deepa Malik, the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympic Games.

In his pre-event message, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM-Kozhikode, said “It is our unique privilege to be a school of aspiration where new ideas take shape for
the betterment of India and the World. The theme of the Calicut Half Marathon 2020 is ‘In Pursuit of Happiness – Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ and we believe, Mrs. Babita Phogat, our Arjuna of the modern times, would be the right individual to demonstrate the importance of the complementary nature of mental and physical health. Her presence would inspire people to follow their passion and motivate them to bring glory to the nation.”

In a final countdown to the 11th edition of Calicut Half Marathon,  Kozhikode city will also witness ‘Flash Mob’ routines at two of the most prominent spots in the city – Eham Digitals and  Hi-Lite Mall, this evening (19 February).

About Calicut Half Marathon 2020

Over the past ten years, the Marathon has been taking up a unique cause every year- having focused on critical issues of United Kerala, women empowerment, rights of differently-abled people, waste management, organ donation, healthy living and eco- friendliness in the past. The theme for 2020’s marathon is ‘Pursuit of Happiness – Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ aimed at generating awareness about mental wellbeing along with physical fitness, as a healthy body brings harmony in one’s life, peace in society and thereby spreading happiness everywhere. The marathon features three categories, a 21 km Half Marathon, a 10 km Mini-Marathon which are competitive races and a 3 km “Dream Run”, a non‐competitive run featuring people from all walks of life. The total prize money for the event is worth INR 4.7 lakhs.

Calicut Half Marathon 2020 is proud to be associated with Peekay Steel as the title sponsor, HDFC as per Banking Partner, Krome as the Training Partner, The Gateway as Hospitality Partner, Adidas as Running Partner, MyRace as Timing Partner, IAP – Kozhikode as our Institutional Partner, Malayalam Manorama as Media Partner, Red FM as our Radio Partner, Eham Digital as the Digital Partner, IQRAA Hospital as the Wellness Partner, Niravu as the NGO Partner, IMA Kozhikode as the Institutional Partner.

For registration, please visit www.calicutmarathon.in. Visit Calicut Half Marathon Facebook and Instagram pages for consistent updates.