Sports and Youth Services Minister Vakiti Srihari and SATG chairman K. Shiva Sena Reddy paying floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand at his statue at the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: By Arrangement

Ultramarathon runner Russ Cook, also known as “Hardest Geezer,” is about to achieve a remarkable feat: running the entire length of Africa. This ambitious journey, dubbed Project Africa, will see him become the first person to ever complete such a trek. Cook began his adventure on 22 April, 2023 at the southern tip of South Africa and is expected to reach the finish line in Bizerte, Tunisia, on April 7th. Project Africa is an epic undertaking, spanning nearly 9,000 miles and taking him across a staggering 16 African countries.

Yesterday, he posted on Twitter that he was on the verge of completing his continent-spanning marathon in approximately five days.

“5 days to go. The last 347 days running through Africa have no doubt been the toughest of my life, but such an immense honour,” he tweeted.

5 DAYS TO GO.

The last 347 days running through africa have no doubt been the toughest of my life, but such an immense honour.

We have met incredible people in every single country we’ve been to that have welcomed us with love & kindness. The human spirit is a beautiful thing.… pic.twitter.com/bss7yU3FRl

— Russ Cook (@hardestgeezer) April 2, 2024

According to BBC, Mr Cook had originally planned to complete 360 marathons in 240 days.After complications with his visas, health scares, geopolitical issues and an armed robbery, he was forced to change his route, extending the challenge.

Cook’s passion for extreme running was sparked by a friend. Since then, he’s tackled challenges like running across Asia and even a beer-fueled marathon. Project Africa isn’t just about the distance; Cook is also raising money for charities. The challenge is in aid of The Running Charity and has raised 427000 pounds (Rs 4,47,62324) so far.

Despite facing visa issues, health problems, and even robbery, Cook’s determination hasn’t wavered. His journey has taken him through deserts, rainforests, and mountains, pushing him to his limits. A celebratory party with a performance by British punk band Soft Play awaits him at the finish line. This is one ultramarathon that will be remembered.

New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate a Ram Mandir-themed Durga Puja Pandal at Santosh Mitra Square in north Kolkata on October 16.

This unique pandal, organized by the Santosh Mitra Square Puja Committee, is modelled after the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Kolkata and inaugurate this Durga Puja pandal.

According to BJP leader Sajal Ghosh, the inauguration ceremony is set to take place at 4 PM in the Santosh Mitra Square Puja. This particular Durga Puja is also known as Sajay Ghosh’s Puja. The theme for this year’s celebration is the Ram Temple, inspired by the ongoing construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The pandal at Santosh Mitra Square has been beautifully decorated.

It’s worth mentioning that Amit Shah previously inaugurated Puja pandals during the 2021 Assembly elections in Kolkata. The BJP itself organized Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal during that time, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually present for the inauguration.