Four war-wounded Indian Army veterans will take to the start line at the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon on 29 November 2026, marking the first time the War Wounded Foundation (WWF) will field a contingent at the event. The initiative, running under the marathon's #Run4OurSoldiers banner, will see a share of registration proceeds directed towards the welfare of India's armed forces personnel.

The Four Veterans and Their Stories

The contingent comprises Nk. Ashok Kumar, Subedar Satbir Singh Chauhan, Ex Sepoy Rajesh Kumar, and Ex Cfn. Naresh Kumar — each of whom sustained life-altering injuries while serving the nation and has since rebuilt their lives through rehabilitation, community support, and running.

Nk. Ashok Kumar, who served with 14 Mahar for 20 years, suffered injuries to both legs and his left knee during Operation Parakram along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in October 2002. He subsequently overcame challenges with weight management and mental health before becoming a social worker, WWF volunteer, and marathon runner. 'After the injury, I thought the hard part would be learning to walk again. It was actually what came after, the weight, the difficulties I faced mentally, and the biggest question being what to do with myself,' he said. 'The Foundation gave me a direction… I want every member of the crowd to go home with one message, that a person should never lose hope.'

Subedar Satbir Singh Chauhan suffered fractures and nerve damage in 2005 and was classified as having 100 per cent disability. He has since embraced adventure and motivational activities, including regular marathon participation. 'The injury changed my body in one day, but it did not change who I am,' he said. 'After fifteen years with this brotherhood, standing on the start line at the prestigious Adani Ahmedabad Marathon with all of them will be a very special moment for me.'

Ex Sepoy Rajesh Kumar lost a leg in an accidental anti-personnel mine blast during Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2001. Notably, despite the injury, he continued to serve in the Army for 26 years before retiring in May 2025. 'I want the young and aspiring soldiers to see a man who lost a leg and is still ready to give everything for the nation,' he said.

Ex Cfn. Naresh Kumar sustained blast injuries affecting his hearing in August 1999. Support from fellow veterans and counselling helped him navigate life after his injury. 'An injury can change your circumstances, but it does not have to stop you from moving forward,' he said.

About the War Wounded Foundation

Founded in 2002, the War Wounded Foundation works with disabled soldiers to support their recovery and reintegration into society. The organisation provides peer support, rehabilitation guidance, and a community network for veterans who have sustained injuries in service. This year's Ahmedabad marathon appearance is its first at the event, representing a significant milestone for the foundation's public outreach.

Scale of the Event and the Run4OurSoldiers Initiative

More than 3,000 defence personnel participated in last year's edition of the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon. The #Run4OurSoldiers initiative channels a share of race registration proceeds towards armed forces welfare programmes. This year's participation by WWF veterans is intended to spotlight both the resilience of injury-affected soldiers and the broader cause of veteran support. This comes amid growing national conversations around the welfare and reintegration of disabled servicemen and women.

What to Expect on Race Day

The four veterans are scheduled to participate in the 29 November edition of the marathon in Ahmedabad. Their presence on the course is expected to draw significant attention to the WWF's work and the broader theme of turning adversity into strength. The foundation hopes the contingent's participation will inspire both serving personnel and civilians alike.