Khurda: A man died while three others were taken ill while running during Marathon events organised by the Biju Yuva Vahini for promoting the upcoming Men’s Hockey World Cup across Odisha today.
The deceased identified as Krushna Parida was a resident of Kamaguru Panchayat under Jankia police limits in Khurda district.
According to sources, Parida fell down unconscious while running during the Marathon today morning. The members of Biju Yuva Vahini and Sarpanch of the village rushed him to the district headquarters hospital where the doctors declared him dead.
It was alleged that Parida had participated in the Marathon by consuming excessive alcohol. Besides, members of Biju Yuva Vahini had allegedly taken off his shirt while shifting him to hospital since the symbol of the vahini was printed on it.
Similarly, three class six girl students of Chandua school in Kuliana block of Mayurbhanj fell sick during marathon programme. The students were later admitted to district headquarters hospital in Baripada.
With an aim to promote the hockey fervour and collect signature campaign wishing victory for the Indian team during Men's Hockey World Cup, marathon events were organized in several districts across the state today.
A mini-marathon organized by the Rourkela Municipal Corporation kicked off from Sector-13 ground and passed through the Ring road before ending at Udit Nagar parade ground.
In the Silver city Cuttack, a 5km-public marathon from Indore stadium was organised by the members of Biju Yuva Vahini. The marathon was flagged off by Cuttack Mayor Minakshi Behera.
Similar marathons were also organised in Rayagada, Koraput and Sambalpur districts.