New Delhi: Seeking to help war-wounded soldiers of the Indian Army, a former Special Forces Officer Major Surendra Poonia is organising a marathon by the name of 'Soldierathon' where common people would get an opportunity to run with serving and retired troops of the armed forces on December 16.

"All Proceedings (donations) of Soldierathon will go towards war-wounded soldiers of Indian Army and Artificial Limb Centre where injured and paraplegic soldiers getting treatment," Major Poonia said.

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The event is expected to be attended by senior military officers including Union minister Gen VK Singh, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, the living Param Vir Chakra awardees and a large number of disabled soldiers who would be coming to the national capital on December 16 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

December 16 also marks the anniversary of the day when India successfully helped Bangladesh gain independence from the Punjabi-dominated Army of West Pakistan after the surrender of 90,000 of their troops in Dhaka.

"In the first edition, 12,467 runners participated, including Gautam Gambhir, Mohammad Kaif, minister General VK Singh, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat and three living Param Vir Chakra awardees. This year we are expecting more than 15,000 runners on the Vijay Diwas," Poonia said.