Kolkata-based sports management firm Sportiz unveiled the 10th edition of the Jai Balaji Group Kolkata Marathon on Friday, September 5. Along with the unveiling ceremony, the event marked the announcement of a partnership between the Jai Balaji Group and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) in support of the athletes for the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships, to be held in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5.
The event was graced by PCI President and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia, alongside Mariyappan Thangavelu, Rio 2016 gold, Tokyo 2020 silver and Paris 2024 bronze medallist in para high jump. They were joined by other star para-athletes, including Rudransh Khandelwal, Suchitra Parida, Shreyansh Trivedi, and Rakesh Bhatt.
To mark the milestone edition of the JBG Kolkata Marathon, a 21.1K Half Marathon has been added to the programme, complementing the existing Elite 10K, Open 10K, 5K Cosplay, and Special Heroes categories. Scheduled for November 30, 2025, the event is expected to draw more than 15,000 participants across all categories. The flag-off will be at Red Road, and the track will go through Maidan.
Addressing a packed gathering at the ceremony, Mr. Aditya Jajodia, MD and Chairman of Jai Balaji Group, said, “When we started the JBG Trail Run 10 years ago, we never imagined how far the journey would take us. It has been a remarkable experience, made possible by the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.” He also spoke about the new association with PCI, adding, “We are proud to announce our partnership with the PCI to support our heroes competing at the upcoming Para World Championships in New Delhi.
“This will not be a one-off collaboration—we want to carry it forward and, by learning from stalwarts like Devendra Jhajharia, find meaningful ways to contribute more to the movement.”
A panel discussion featuring the athletes, moderated by senior journalist Boria Majumdar, captivated the audience and inspired them with powerful stories. Outlining PCI’s roadmap from the upcoming Para Athletics World Championships in New Delhi to the Para Asian Games in Nagoya and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, PCI President Devendra Jhajharia said, “Last year in Hangzhou, we created history with 111 medals. This time, while some of our strong disciplines are not part of the Games, I can assure you the athletics contingent will make up for that gap—we’ll bring home more than 50 medals in athletics alone.”
Looking ahead to the New Delhi Championships later this month, he added, “We’re confident of winning over 20 medals. Last time in Kobe, we secured 17. Ab ki baar bees paar [We will cross 20 this time].”
What struck the audience most was the clarity of PCI’s long-term vision with LA28 in focus. “We’ve recently inaugurated the Mondo track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the World Championships,” said Jhajharia. “But this facility is not just for the event—it was built so that our athletes can train for the Paralympics on home soil without needing to go abroad.”
To watch the entire panel discussion, visit RevSportz