On 16 February, Bodhgaya Marathon Committee and IBC kicked off the second edition of the Bodhgaya marathon. His Eminence the 13th Kundeling Rinpoche graced the occasion as the chief guest of the marathon, and Mongolian Ambassador Ganbold Dambajav was invited as the special guest on the occasion of 70 years of IndIa Mongolia ties.
The dignitaries flagged off the marathon after national anthem. The highlight of the Marathon Ambassador Ganbold, who not only flagged off the marathon but also took part, completing the 5 kilometres format. His presence at the Bodhgaya Marathon is a proof of the indispensable position of Buddhism in India Mongolia ties.
Specifically, his presence marked 70 years of bilateral ties since the established of formal ties in 1955. The marathon witnessed participation of almost 3000 participants including 300 cadets from Officers Training Academy, Gaya and more than 400 foreign participants from 19 countries. including professional runners from foreign countries.
Award winning marathoners from different countries too participated at the marathon. It is hoped that this number will grow manifold as the marathon is projected to gain popularity with every passing year.
On the eve of the Marathon, Ambassador Ganbold inaugurated an exhibition titled “Buddha Dhamma on Mind and Body,” along with His Eminence the 13th Kundeling Rinpoche. The exhibition also had photographs from the exposition of Buddha’s Relics in Mongolia.
