Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Odisha, celebrated its 65th Port Foundation Day on Saturday by successfully conducting the 21st Paradip Marathon 2026.
The Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad of PPA organised the 14 km race, which began at Hanuman Temple Square and concluded at Gopabandhu Stadium. Residents and local organisations enthusiastically supported the event, creating a festive atmosphere.
A total of 336 runners participated, including 280 men and 56 women. Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA, flagged off the marathon as Chief Guest, while Shri T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, PPA, attended as Guest of Honour.
At the valedictory function, Shri Haranadh recalled that Paradip Port, whose foundation stone was laid on January 3, 1962, has grown from a small jetty into one of India’s leading major ports. Furthermore, he highlighted that PPA is now the largest major port in terms of rated capacity, records the best berth productivity among Indian ports, and remains the most cost-efficient. He emphasised that with ongoing modernisation, green development, and employee welfare initiatives, the port is steadily progressing towards a capacity of 400 MMT by 2030. He added that the Paradip Marathon reflects the same spirit of growth, discipline, and collective participation.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s rising sprinter Pratik Maharana, who recently won bronze in the men’s 200 m and silver in the 4×100 m relay at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025, received special felicitation from Shri Haranadh.
In the men’s category, Ashok Dandasena of Odisha Police secured first place with a timing of 43 minutes 52.2 seconds. Gulson Dung Dung of Ranchi finished second in 44 minutes 11.9 seconds, while Rakesh Mahanta of Jharkhand claimed third place with 44 minutes 18.3 seconds.
In the women’s category, Anita Das of Jharkhand clinched first place with 51 minutes 08.4 seconds. Sandhya Murmu from Mayurbhanj secured second place in 54 minutes 24.2 seconds, and Basanti Mandia of Odisha Police finished third in 54 minutes 51.6 seconds.
Finally, officials and technical members of the Paradip Port Sports Council, led by Shri H. S. Rout, Dr D. P. Sethi, and Shri Dhuna Chandra Tarai, conducted the marathon smoothly with support from the Odisha Olympic Association.
