Braving the severe winter cold, over a thousand enthusiastic runners gathered at Diabari in the capital’s Uttara on Friday morning (January 5, 2024) to participate in the ‘HM Salim Run 10K 2024’. Organized by the Pinnacle Sports Association, the event highlighted the theme, “No alternative to sports for building a healthy society.”
Muktadir Ahmed and Sumaiya Akhtar emerged as the champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, in a race designed to awaken the indomitable spirit of the youth.
The Race and Results
The event saw a total of 1,015 participants—572 men and 443 women—assembling near Bridge No. 10 at Sector 18. The men’s 10-kilometer race kicked off at 7:00 am, followed by the women’s 7.5-kilometer race 30 minutes later.
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Men’s Category (10 km):
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Champion: Muktadir Ahmed clinched the first position with a timing of 46 minutes.
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Runner-up: Sohel Rana finished second, clocking 47 minutes.
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3rd Place: Mohammad Hriday secured the third spot with a time of 47 minutes 30 seconds.
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Women’s Category (7.5 km):
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Champion: Sumaiya Akhtar won the title, crossing the finish line in 40 minutes.
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Runner-up: Nazmunnahar Bithi secured the second position.
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3rd Place: Jahanara Akhtar finished third.
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The organizers noted that nearly all participants successfully completed the course, with only three runners failing to cross the finish line, showcasing remarkable determination.
Chief Guest’s Message
The event was graced by Hossain Mohammad Salim, Chairman of Pinnacle Sports Association and Imam of Hezbut Tawheed, as the chief guest.
Addressing the crowd, Mr. Salim emphasized the critical role of sports in steering youth away from societal crises.
“To wake up the youth, we have to wake up their indomitable vitality. We are working to awaken that force in the youth,” he stated. He further added that Pinnacle Sports has been organizing healthy cultural events and sports across every department, district, and police station in Bangladesh to provide positive alternatives for the younger generation.
Dignitaries and Organizers
The program began at 6:30 am with an inaugural speech by SM Shamsul Huda, former General Secretary of the association. The event was presided over by Rial Talukder, General Secretary of Pinnacle Sports Association.
Special guests included Khadija Khatun (Adviser, Pinnacle Sports Association), Rufaidah Panni (Editor, Dainik Desherpatra), Dr. Mahbub Alam Mahfuz (Dhaka Divisional President, Hezbut Tawheed), Al Amin Sabuj (Barisal Divisional President), Ali Hossain (Sylhet Divisional President), and Ayesha Siddika (Chairman, Youth Assembly).
The event was jointly conducted by sportsman Taher Hossain Maruf, Dr. Tuhin Mahmud, Shah Nawaz Khan Ripon, and Farid Uddin Rabbani.
Following the race, prizes were awarded to the top three winners in both categories, and medals were presented to all finishers by the organizing authority.
