Assam CM, Sunil Gavaskar launch Guwahati International Marathon
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar have officially launched the Guwahati International Marathon. The event, scheduled for February 2027, aims to promote sports tourism and fitness in Northeast India.
Why it matters
Large-scale sporting events are increasingly used as tools for regional development and global branding in emerging cities.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar on Thursday (September 10, 2026) launched the Guwahati International Marathon.
About 12,000 people, including top international athletes, are expected to take part in the maiden running event in northeast India’s largest city scheduled for February 7, 2027.
“This is more than a marathon—it is a powerful statement of Guwahati’s readiness to emerge as a leading destination for sport, fitness, and sports tourism. It is a landmark initiative that reflects our State’s growing aspirations on the national and global sporting stage,” the Chief Minister said.
Devajit Saikia, the honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said Mr Gavaskar discussed the possibility of Guwahati hosting a major running event during their meeting three months ago. “The Chief Minister gave the go-ahead in June,” he said.
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