PNB Soldierathon 2026, scheduled for 5th April 2026, encourages fitness, honors Indian Armed Forces, and celebrates Punjab National Bank’s 132nd Foundation Day with the theme “Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers.”
PNB Soldierathon 2026: A Mega Marathon to Honour Armed Forces & Promote Fitness
Introduction to PNB Soldierathon 2026
Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s oldest and most reputed public sector banks, has officially announced the launch of “PNB Soldierathon 2026,” a nationwide half marathon, ahead of its 132nd Foundation Day celebrations.
PNB Soldierathon 2026 is scheduled to be held on 5th April 2026, and is the second edition of the bank’s flagship marathon event. This year’s marathon carries the inspiring theme – “Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers.”
The launch event was held at the bank’s corporate office in Dwarka, New Delhi, and was attended by senior dignitaries, officials, army veterans, and fitness enthusiasts.
Pre‑Launch Ceremony & Key Guests
The event’s pre‑launch ceremony was graced by Major Dr. Surendra Poonia, VSM, a Limca Book Record holder and former Special Forces officer of the Indian Army. He was the Chief Guest for the ceremony.
Present at the launch were:
- Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO of PNB
- Executive Directors and senior officials of the bank
- Representatives from the Indian Armed Forces and veteran community
- Marathon runners and fitness supporters
During the launch, PNB also unveiled the official theme, logo, T‑shirt, and medals for the upcoming marathon. A short film showcasing highlights from the 2025 edition was also presented to the audience.
Theme & National Significance
The theme “Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers” reflects PNB’s dedication to honouring the Indian Armed Forces and their sacrifices while encouraging a spirit of discipline and fitness among citizens.
According to PNB’s MD & CEO Ashok Chandra, the marathon is not just a sporting event but an effort to promote national pride, fitness culture, and a stronger civil‑military connection among youth and citizens.
PNB was founded by the great freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, and over the years, the bank has continued to uphold values of nation‑building, social responsibility and community participation.
Objectives of the PNB Soldierathon
The event focuses on:
- Encouraging fitness and healthy living among participants
- Recognizing and honoring the role of Indian soldiers
- Promoting unity, discipline, and national pride
- Strengthening community engagement through sport
- Enhancing civil–military relations by bringing together citizens, veterans, and active soldiers
This marathon isn’t merely a race; it serves as a nationwide movement that inspires unity and collective action toward fitness and patriotism.
Target Audience & Participation
PNB Soldierathon 2026 invites:
- Soldiers and veterans of the Indian Armed Forces
- Citizens of all age groups
- Fitness enthusiasts and marathon runners
- Youth clubs, NGOs and community groups
- PNB employees and stakeholders
Participants from across India are expected to join hands and make this event a symbol of unity, courage, and collective energy that resonates with national pride.
Why This News is Important for Government Exam Aspirants
Relevance in Current Affairs
The announcement of PNB Soldierathon 2026 is not just a banking sector update — it connects to multiple important themes that can appear in banking, general awareness, and national current affairs segments of government exams like IBPS, SBI PO/Clerk, Railways, SSC, UPSC, and state PSCs.
1. Banking & Social Initiatives
This news highlights how a public sector bank is going beyond financial services to promote social responsibility, fitness, and national pride. Many government exams include questions on initiatives by public institutions that connect to national welfare.
2. Civil–Military Connect
Understanding events that promote respect for the Indian Armed Forces is essential for exams like CISF, CAPF, and UPSC where general national knowledge and patriotism are tested.
3. Culture of Fitness and National Movements
Inclusion of health, fitness, and national engagement activities in current affairs reflects India’s growing emphasis on community participation and sports culture — topics frequently asked in GD, interview, and essay sections.
Historical Context
About Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Punjab National Bank (PNB) was established on 12th April 1894 by freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It played a role in India’s freedom movement and served the nation even after independence.
Over its long history, PNB has consistently expanded its services and social initiatives. Its foundation day is celebrated every year with activities promoting financial inclusion, innovation, and community service. Sports and fitness events like Soldierathon reflect PNB’s commitment to social responsibility beyond traditional banking.
Key Takeaways from PNB Soldierathon 2026
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | PNB announced the “PNB Soldierathon 2026” ahead of its 132nd Foundation Day celebrations. |
| 2 | The marathon’s theme is “Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers,” connecting fitness with respect for armed forces. |
| 3 | The event is scheduled for 5th April 2026 and is the second edition of this marathon. |
| 4 | The pre‑launch was attended by Major Dr. Surendra Poonia, PNB officials, and veterans. |
| 5 | The initiative aims to promote national pride, fitness, discipline, and civil–military connect. |
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is PNB Soldierathon 2026?
A: PNB Soldierathon 2026 is a nationwide half marathon organized by Punjab National Bank to promote fitness, honor Indian Armed Forces, and celebrate the bank’s 132nd Foundation Day.
Q2. When will PNB Soldierathon 2026 be held?
A: The marathon is scheduled for 5th April 2026.
Q3. What is the theme of PNB Soldierathon 2026?
A: The theme is “Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers”, emphasizing fitness and respect for the Indian Armed Forces.
Q4. Who was the chief guest at the pre-launch ceremony?
A: Major Dr. Surendra Poonia, VSM, a former Indian Army Special Forces officer and Limca Book record holder, was the chief guest.
Q5. Why is this event important for students preparing for government exams?
A: It highlights the role of public sector banks in social responsibility, promotes civil–military connect, and covers topics like national fitness initiatives and patriotic campaigns, which are relevant for general awareness sections of exams like UPSC, SSC, IBPS, Railways, and State PSCs.
Q6. Who can participate in PNB Soldierathon 2026?
A: The marathon is open to Indian Armed Forces personnel, veterans, citizens of all age groups, PNB employees, fitness enthusiasts, NGOs, and community groups.
Q7. How does PNB Soldierathon promote social engagement?
A: It encourages national pride, fitness culture, discipline, and civil–military interaction among participants across India.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
