Wounded in Service, Running for Honor: War Veterans to Storm Ahmedabad Marathon
War Wounded Foundation veterans join the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon to inspire resilience and support disabled soldiers.
Every November, the streets of Ahmedabad transform into a sea of athletes during the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon. While many compete for personal bests and finish-line glory, a special group of participants is preparing to run for a cause far greater than a stopwatch. On November 29, 2026, the War Wounded Foundation (WWF) will make its debut at the event, bringing a powerful message of resilience and courage to the city.
Since 2002, the War Wounded Foundation has been a pillar of support for disabled soldiers, helping them navigate the physical and psychological aftermath of combat injuries. As they line up for the marathon, four veterans are sharing their harrowing journeys from the battlefield to the race track.
From Mortar Fire to Marathon Miles
Nk. Ashok Kumar of 14 Mahar joined the Indian Army in April 1994, dedicating two decades of his life to the nation. His life changed forever on October 11, 2002, during Op Parakram. While stationed at the Line of Control in the Batalik Sector of Jammu and Kashmir, enemy mortar fire struck both his legs and his left knee, leaving him as a battle casualty.
Though medical treatment at Delhi’s Research and Referral Hospital and the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune helped him walk again, the real battle began after the physical wounds healed. Ashok struggled with significant weight gain and a mental crisis regarding his purpose in life.
"After the injury, I thought the hard part would be learning to walk again. It was actually what came after—the weight, the difficulties I faced mentally, and the biggest question being what to do with myself," Ashok recalled.
Through the WWF, Ashok found a community of peers who helped him convert his disability into ability. Now a social worker and regular marathoner, he hopes his presence at the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon will inspire the crowd to never lose hope.
The Unbreakable Spirit of a Soldier
For Subedar Satbir Singh Chauhan, the date August 22, 2005, remains etched in his memory. Serving with 19 Rajput, Satbir suffered severe fractures and nerve damage that resulted in a 100% lifelong disability classification. In a single instant, the body he had trained for years was fundamentally altered.
However, Satbir maintains that while his body changed, his identity did not. "Once a soldier, always a soldier," he asserts. Finding a brotherhood within the WWF allowed him to be understood without words. For Satbir, standing at the start line of the prestigious Ahmedabad Marathon is a testament to the fact that resilience has no limits.
Medals of Courage
Ex Sepoy Rajesh Kumar’s journey began with the 6 Rajput Regiment in May 1999. On April 6, 2001, during Op Rakshak in the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir, an accidental anti-personnel mine blast claimed one of his legs. Despite this, he continued to serve in uniform for a total of 26 years, retiring in May 2025.
Rajesh discovered the joy of running through community events, where walking four to five kilometers with fellow veterans earned him medals that provided immense psychological strength. With the support of his children, he now views the marathon as a platform to inspire the next generation.
He describes the ‘Run For Our Soldier’ initiative as the heartbeat of the Ahmedabad Marathon, stating, "I want the young and aspiring soldiers to see a man who lost a leg and is still ready to give everything for the nation."
A Legacy of Positivity
Joining these brave hearts is Ex Cfn. Naresh Kumar, who suffered serious blast injuries in August 1999. For Naresh, the act of running has become more than just physical exercise; it is a vital tool for maintaining a positive outlook on life and staying active despite the scars of war.
As these veterans prepare to take their place in the race, they carry with them the stories of sacrifice and the triumph of the human spirit, reminding every spectator that the finish line is only the beginning of a new journey.