Ahmedabad, 27 October (H.S.): Four former Indian Army personnel who sustained severe injuries while defending the country and serving in military operations are preparing to inspire others through their courage and determination. The veterans will participate in the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, scheduled for November 29, 2026, as part of the War Wounded Foundation’s team, which will take part in the event for the first time.

The four veterans have shared their inspiring journeys of rebuilding their lives after sustaining injuries, overcoming physical and psychological challenges, and making running an integral part of their lives.

The War Wounded Foundation has been working for the rehabilitation and welfare of personnel with disabilities since 2002. This year, four veterans associated with the foundation — Naik Ashok Kumar, Subedar Satbir Singh Chauhan, former sepoy Rajesh Kumar and former craftsman Naresh Kumar — will participate in the marathon to convey a powerful message: physical injuries cannot extinguish a person’s courage, confidence or determination to move forward.

Naik Ashok Kumar: Learning to Stand Again After Injuries to Both Legs

Naik Ashok Kumar of the 14 Mahar Regiment joined the Indian Army on April 30, 1994, and served the country for 20 years. On October 11, 2002, he sustained severe injuries to both legs and his left knee during enemy mortar shelling near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baltik sector, while participating in Operation Parakram. He was classified as a battle casualty.

Following treatment at the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi and the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune, Kumar regained the ability to walk. However, his recovery presented another challenge. The weight he gained during treatment made it difficult for him to regain his physical fitness. Through a disciplined routine and strict dietary control, he gradually worked towards restoring his health.

Today, Ashok Kumar is a social worker, a volunteer with the War Wounded Foundation and a regular marathon runner. Recalling his struggle, he said, “After I was injured, I thought the hardest part would be learning to walk again. But the circumstances that followed proved even more challenging. Weight gain, the psychological difficulties I faced and, above all, the question of what I should do with my life were all major challenges for me.”

He added, “The foundation gave me direction. When I listened to the experiences of other injured soldiers who had gone through similar circumstances, I realised that disability, too, could be transformed into an ability. I want everyone who participates in the marathon to return home with one message: never lose hope. I am immensely proud to run for our soldiers at the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon.”

Subedar Satbir Singh Chauhan: Soldiering Spirit Remains Undiminished Despite 100% Permanent Disability

For Subedar Satbir Singh Chauhan, the phrase “Once a soldier, always a soldier” is not merely a saying but a guiding principle of life. He has lived by this belief since August 22, 2005, when he sustained serious injuries while serving with the 19 Rajput Regiment.

His injuries included fractures and nerve damage, and his disability was assessed at 100 per cent on a permanent basis. Although his physical condition changed in a single day, his courage and identity as a soldier remained intact.

Today, Satbir takes part in adventure activities, motivates others and regularly participates in marathons.

“An injury changed my body in a single day, but it did not change who I am. After joining the War Wounded Foundation, I found people who understood my circumstances without needing me to explain them. It was there that I learnt that a soldier never stops being a soldier,” he said.

Rajesh Kumar: Served the Nation in Uniform for 26 Years Despite Losing a Leg

Former sepoy Rajesh Kumar joined the 6 Rajput Regiment in May 1999. On April 6, 2001, he lost a leg in an accidental landmine explosion during Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch region. He was subsequently classified as a battle casualty.

Despite the devastating injury, Kumar refused to give up. He continued serving the country in uniform for a total of 26 years before retiring in May 2025.

Following his injury, he began participating in community events with fellow veterans, initially running distances of four to five kilometres. The medals he received at these events helped rebuild his confidence. His family and children also continued to encourage him at home.

Kumar said, “Those early medals meant more to me than others could perhaps imagine. A group of us veterans would take part together, and everyone would return feeling a little braver than before. My children cheer me on at home, and I cannot imagine a greater source of motivation.

“For me, the ‘Run for Our Soldiers’ initiative at the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon captures the very spirit of this event. I want young people and aspiring recruits to see someone who has lost a leg but remains ready to give everything for the nation.”

Naresh Kumar: Turning Running into a Source of Positivity After Injury

For former craftsman Naresh Kumar, running has become an important way to remain active and maintain a positive outlook on life. He sustained serious injuries in an explosion in August 1999, which affected his hearing. Like the other veterans, rebuilding his life after being classified as a battle casualty was not easy, but he continued seeking ways to remain active and engaged.

Regular counselling, medical treatment, rehabilitation support and interactions with fellow soldiers affected by war helped him regain confidence and a sense of belonging. He eventually took up running as a way to challenge himself and has since participated in several marathons.

Kumar said, “An injury can change your circumstances, but it does not have to stop you from moving forward. Running keeps me active and lifts my morale. I have participated in several marathons, and what I enjoy most is meeting other runners and sharing positivity with them.”

The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has evolved beyond an annual sporting event into a platform associated with a broader social purpose. Under its ‘Run for Our Soldiers’ initiative, a portion of the proceeds generated through registrations is contributed towards the welfare of the Indian Armed Forces.

More than 3,000 defence personnel participated in the marathon last year, highlighting the event’s growing association with the armed forces and its commitment to recognising the courage and sacrifices of those who serve the nation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar