New Delhi, India: Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, successfully hosted the inaugural PNB Half Marathon 2025 in New Delhi today, with a powerful blend of fitness, community spirit, and cyber awareness. Held under the theme “Cyber Run – Empowering a Secure Digital India”, the marathon brought together athletes, fitness enthusiasts, cybersecurity professionals, PNB employees, and citizens from all walks of life.
The marathon was ceremonially flagged off at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, by Chief Guest Sh. M Nagaraju (Secretary, DFS), along with Ashok Chandra (PNB MD & CEO), Sameer Bansal (PNB MetLife Insurance MD & CEO), Girish Kousgi (PNB Housing Finance Ltd MD & CEO) and senior management of PNB.
DFS Secretary commended PNB for its proactive efforts in raising awareness about cybercrime.
Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB, said: “As PNB celebrates 131 years of unwavering service to the nation, the #PNBCyberRun reflects our commitment to financial well-being and digital security. A secure digital ecosystem is the backbone of India’s growth story, and PNB is proud to lead the way through awareness, innovation, and community engagement.”
Over 13,800 runners participated enthusiastically across three categories — 21.1K Half Marathon (2600 runners), 10K Energetic (5850 runners), and 5K Fun-Filled (5350 runners) — symbolising a united stride toward cybersecurity awareness and building a digitally inclusive secure Bharat. The electric atmosphere was elevated by live music bands and vibrant on-route entertainment, energising participants and keeping the momentum alive throughout the morning.
In the Challenging 21.1K race, the women’s category saw Ujala emerge as the winner, securing the top prize of ₹2,00,000, followed by Renu Singh as the first runner-up with ₹1,50,000, and Sonika as the second runner-up, winning ₹1,00,000. In the men’s category, Hemant Singh clinched the winner’s title along with a prize of ₹2,00,000. He was closely followed by Harish Sheroan, who bagged the first runner-up position with ₹1,50,000, and Banee Singh, who secured the second runner-up spot with ₹1,00,000.
In the Energetic 10K run, the women’s category was led by Neeta Rani, who secured the top prize of ₹2,00,000, followed by Tamsi Singh as the first runner-up with ₹1,50,000, and Aneeta Singh as the second runner-up, winning ₹1,00,000. In the men’s category, Gaurav emerged as the winner, also taking home ₹2,00,000, with Balram finishing as the first runner-up with ₹1,50,000, and Sawan securing the second runner-up position, winning ₹1,00,000.
The PNB Half Marathon 2025 – Cyber Run – not only celebrated fitness, but also echoed PNB’s legacy of trust and transformation, uniting people around a cause that matters to every Indian in today’s digital age. This unique initiative also served as a platform to educate citizens on safe digital banking practices, highlighting PNB’s efforts to promote cybersecurity through its digital channels and campaigns.
The marathon venue also featured dedicated information zones, interactive booths, a captivating ‘Nukkad Natak’, and an informative quiz session conducted by Deputy Commandant Deepak Kumar of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs — all designed to educate attendees on safe banking practices, fraud prevention, and digital hygiene.