Kolkata: The 7th edition of the Ekal Run, organised by FTS Yuva, is scheduled to be held on 4 January 2026 at Godrej Waterside in Kolkata. This year’s event is set to be inaugurated by badminton champion Saina Nehwal, who became the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton at the 2012 London Games. With more than two dozen international titles, she remains one of India’s most influential sporting figures.
The annual run draws thousands of fitness enthusiasts and continues to grow as a major community event in the city. The initiative supports the Ekal Vidyalaya movement, which works toward providing education to rural and tribal children across the country. Multiple race formats, including 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a 3 km fun run, are expected to see strong participation from diverse age groups.
Organisers note that the presence of Saina Nehwal adds visibility to the event’s mission of combining fitness, community engagement and social impact. Her association is expected to motivate participants and strengthen the event’s outreach in the run-up to race day.
Focus on Community Impact
Representatives from FTS Yuva emphasise that the objective of the Ekal Run is not limited to sports, but tied closely to raising funds for rural education. The initiative has gained a loyal following over previous editions, with participants contributing to the cause while promoting a culture of health and wellness.
The leadership team states that the event aligns with the organisation’s commitment to provide educational access in remote and underserved regions. They also highlight that the run continues to evolve into a citywide movement, uniting volunteers, runners and supporters toward a shared purpose.
Organisers underline that the recurring interest in the Ekal Run reflects an urban shift toward community-driven philanthropy. They believe that consistent participation strengthens public awareness about the importance of education in rural and tribal areas.
Expanding the Ekal Mission
The Ekal Run supports the larger goals of Friends of Tribals Society (FTS), a non-profit that runs more than 49,000 one-teacher schools across India. These schools, known as Ekal Vidyalayas, provide non-formal education to children in remote villages and aim to contribute to the holistic development of entire communities.
FTS operates through 37 chapters nationwide, with its head office in Kolkata. The organisation was recognised with the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2017 for its contribution to rural education. Its continued expansion reflects ongoing efforts to offer learning opportunities to children who lack access to conventional schooling.
Organisers of the run state that events like the Ekal Run help sustain this long-term mission, bringing citizens closer to the cause through participation and public engagement. The upcoming edition is positioned as another milestone in strengthening both awareness and support for rural education.
A Sporting Icon’s Role
Saina Nehwal’s involvement in the event is seen as a significant endorsement for the initiative. Her journey from national champion to global sporting icon resonates with young athletes and supporters across the country. Her presence at the inauguration is expected to encourage wider participation from students, youth groups and fitness communities in Kolkata.
Her achievements continue to inspire conversations about discipline, resilience and opportunity in Indian sport. By inaugurating the Ekal Run, she becomes part of an effort that blends athletic motivation with social progress.
