Kolkata, 10th December, 2025: FTS Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society (FTS), is excited to announce the 7th edition of its flagship event, the Ekal Run, which will take place at Godrej Waterside, Kolkata, on 4th January 2026. This year, the event will be inaugurated by India’s trailblazing badminton icon, Saina Nehwal. A sporting legend with over 24 international titles, Saina created history at the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton.
The Ekal Run, which draws thousands of fitness enthusiasts every year, continues its commitment to promoting health, community engagement, and a noble social mission – educating rural and tribal children across India through the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative. The 7th edition is expected to witness massive participation across multiple race formats, including 21km, 10km, 5km, and a non-timed 3km fun run, encouraging people of all age groups and fitness levels to be part of the movement.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Rishabh Saraogi, President of FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter, said, “We are immensely honored to welcome Saina Nehwal as the inaugurator of the 7th edition of the Ekal Run. Her groundbreaking achievements and extraordinary journey reflect the spirit of resilience, excellence, and empowerment that Ekal Run stands for. This event not only promotes fitness but also supports the noble cause of educating rural children across India. We look forward to another impactful edition that brings communities together for a greater mission.”
On this occasion, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, National Coordinator of Ekal Run, said, “Ekal Run is more than just a marathon – it is a collective stride towards shaping a brighter future for rural India. Having Saina Nehwal inaugurate this edition adds immense motivation for our participants and reinforces our mission of empowering communities through education.”
The Ekal Run is not just a sporting event but a movement to raise funds for the education of rural children through the Ekal Vidyalaya. Over the past editions, the event has garnered immense support and enthusiasm, uniting people from all walks of life to promote education and empowerment for children in rural and tribal areas.
About FTS:
Friends of Tribals Society (FTS), a non-profit, non-governmental and voluntary organization committed towards upliftment of underprivileged rural children. They are running 49,203 One Teacher Schools – popularly called as “EKAL VIDYALAYA” which provide non- formal education to 15,19,721 children in remotest villages of India. FTS focuses on the holistic development of a child and through their endeavor they uplift the entire village. They operate from 37 chapters across India, Kolkata being the Headquarter. They are also a recipient of the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize 2017 and had the privilege of receiving this award from the honourable former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind and honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi.
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