THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Punjab National Bank (PNB), the nation’s leading public sector bank, on
Monday announced the launch of PNB Soldierathon 2026 at its Corporate Office in
Dwarka, marking the beginning of celebrations leading up to the Bank’s 132nd
Foundation Day. Now in its second edition, PNB’s flagship half marathon will be
organised under the Soldierathon theme, underscoring the Bank’s enduring
commitment to honouring the Indian Armed Forces while promoting fitness,
discipline and national pride.
The pre-launch ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Major Dr. Surendra
Poonia, former Special Forces officer of the Indian Army, and witnessed the
presence of PNB Managing Director and CEO Ashok Chandra, Executive Directors of
the Bank, senior officials, representatives from the Armed Forces and veteran
community, along with marathon runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Envisioned as a nationwide movement, “PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with
Soldiers, Run for Soldiers” aims to bring together soldiers, veterans,
citizens, youth and fitness enthusiasts on a common platform, reinforcing PNB’s
larger purpose of nation-building through social responsibility and community
engagement.
As part of the pre-launch, PNB unveiled the official name, theme, T-shirt
and medal of Soldierathon 2026. The gathering was also treated to a short film
highlighting memorable moments from the PNB Half Marathon 2025, showcasing the
expanding reach and growing impact of the Bank’s flagship fitness initiatives.
Addressing the audience, Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB, said, “As we
approach PNB’s 132nd Foundation Day, we are delighted to announce the second
edition of the PNB Half Marathon under the theme ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run
for Soldiers, Run with Soldiers’, scheduled to take place on 5th April 2026.
This theme marks the success of Operation Sindoor and stands as our tribute to
the Armed Forces. Founded by our great freedom fighter Shri Lala Lajpat Rai,
PNB has always stood for nation-building, and this year we are dedicating our
celebrations to the brave soldiers who safeguard our country. Beyond
commemorating our Foundation Day, this initiative reflects our commitment to
promoting fitness, good health and a stronger sporting culture across India. We
invite citizens, sportspersons and the entire PNB Parivaar to stand in
solidarity with our armed forces and make this a truly impactful movement.”
Chief Guest Major Dr. Surendra Poonia lauded PNB’s sustained efforts,
noting that initiatives such as Soldierathon play a vital role in fostering
national consciousness, encouraging fitness and strengthening the
civil–military connect.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by PNB Executive
Director Bibhu P. Mahapatra.
