THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PARADIP, JANUARY 3, 2026
Odisha Police runner Ashok Dandasena stormed to victory in the men’s category while Jharkhand’s Anita Das claimed the women’s crown as the 21st Paradip Marathon 2026 marked a high-energy start to the 65th Port Foundation Day celebrations of Paradip Port Authority (PPA). Dandasena clocked an impressive 43 minutes 52.2 seconds to finish first, ahead of Gulson Dung Dung of Ranchi (44:11.9) and Rakesh Mahanta of Jharkhand (44:18.3).
In the women’s race, Das emerged champion with a timing of 51 minutes 08.4 seconds, followed by Sandhya Murmu of Mayurbhanj (54:24.2) and Odisha Police’s Basanti Mandia (54:51.6).
The 14-km marathon, organised by the Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad of PPA, was flagged off from Hanuman Temple Square by P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, in the presence of T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, PPA, and concluded at Gopabandhu Stadium amid rousing cheers from residents of the port township and supporting organisations. A total of 336 runners, including 280 men and 56 women, participated in the event, underscoring its growing popularity and competitive stature.
Addressing the valedictory function at Gopabandhu Stadium, Haranadh reflected on PPA’s journey since its foundation stone was laid on January 3, 1962, noting its transformation from a modest jetty into one of India’s leading major ports. He highlighted that Paradip Port is currently the largest major port in terms of rated capacity, boasts the best berth productivity among Indian major ports, and remains the most cost-efficient. With ongoing modernisation, a strong emphasis on green development and employee welfare, he said the port is steadily progressing towards a capacity of 400 MMT by 2030, adding that the marathon mirrors the same spirit of growth, discipline and collective endeavour.
Adding a special sporting highlight to the occasion, Odisha’s rising sprint star Pratik Maharana was felicitated by the Chairman for his recent international success, including a bronze medal in the men’s 200 m and a silver as part of the Indian men’s 4×100 m relay team at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, PPA, along with Heads of Departments of the 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, with Dr. D. P. Sethi, Working President, Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad, Dhuna Chandra Tarai, Secretary, GKS, and active support from the Odisha Olympic Association, ensuring a professionally managed and memorable sporting celebration.
