PNB Announces ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’ Ahead of 132nd Foundation Day Celebrations
Half Marathon to be held on April 5, 2026, under ‘Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers’ theme to honour Indian Armed Forces
Punjab National Bank (PNB), the nation’s leading public sector bank, on Monday announced PNB Soldierathon 2026 at its Corporate Office in Dwarka, marking the formal beginning of celebrations leading up to its 132nd Foundation Day. This will be the second edition of PNB’s flagship marathon, with this year’s half marathon dedicated to the Soldierathon theme, reaffirming the Bank’s 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, VSM, Limca Book of Records holder and former Special Forces officer of the Indian Army. The event was attended by PNB MD & CEO Ashok Chandra, Executive Directors, senior officials of the Bank, representatives from the Armed Forces and veteran community, along with marathon runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Branded as “PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers”, the initiative is envisioned as a nationwide movement bringing together soldiers, veterans, youth, citizens and fitness enthusiasts, reinforcing PNB’s larger purpose of nation-building through social responsibility and community engagement.
During the pre-launch, PNB unveiled the official name, theme, T-shirt and medal of Soldierathon 2026. A short film highlighting the success and growing impact of the PNB Half Marathon 2025 was also screened for the audience.
Addressing the gathering, 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 be held on April 5, 2026. This theme marks the success of Operation Sindoor and is our tribute to the Armed Forces. Founded by the great freedom fighter Shri Lala Lajpat Rai, PNB has always stood for nation-building, and this year we dedicate our celebrations to the brave soldiers who safeguard our country.”
He added that beyond commemorating the Foundation Day, the initiative reflects PNB’s commitment to promoting fitness, good health and a stronger sporting culture across India, inviting citizens, sportspersons and the entire PNB Parivaar to stand in solidarity with the Armed Forces.
Major Dr. Surendra Poonia appreciated PNB’s sustained efforts, stating that initiatives like Soldierathon play a vital role in strengthening national consciousness, encouraging fitness and deepening the civil-military connect.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by PNB Executive Director Shri Bibhu P. Mahapatra.
