PNB Announces ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’ Ahead of 132nd Foundation Day Celebrations

Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced the launch of ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’ at its corporate office in Dwarka. The announcement marks the beginning of celebrations leading up to the bank’s 132nd Foundation Day.

This is the second edition of PNB’s flagship marathon event. The half-marathon this year will be organized under the theme “PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers,” reflecting the bank’s commitment to honouring the Indian Armed Forces while promoting fitness and national pride.

Pre-Launch Ceremony and Dignitaries

The pre-launch ceremony was graced by Major Surendra Poonia, VSM, a Limca Book Record holder and former Special Forces officer of the Indian Army, as the Chief Guest.

The event was attended by:

• Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB
• Executive Directors of PNB
• Senior bank officials
• Representatives from the Armed Forces and veteran community
• Marathon runners and fitness enthusiasts

During the ceremony, PNB unveiled the official theme, name, T-shirt, and medal of the event. A short film showcasing highlights of the PNB Half Marathon 2025 was also presented.

Theme and Significance

The marathon will be held on 5th April 2026 and is themed around national solidarity and tribute to the Armed Forces.

According to Ashok Chandra, the theme marks the success of Operation Sindoor and serves as a tribute to the brave soldiers safeguarding the nation. He emphasized that PNB, founded by freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, has always stood for nation-building and social responsibility.

The initiative aims to:

• Promote fitness and healthy living
• Strengthen national pride
• Encourage youth participation
• Enhance civil-military connect

A Nationwide Movement

PNB Soldierathon 2026 is envisioned as a nationwide movement that brings together soldiers, veterans, citizens, youth, and fitness enthusiasts.

The initiative aligns with PNB’s broader mission of community engagement and social responsibility. By combining fitness with patriotism, the event aims to inspire unity and collective participation.

Major Surendra Poonia appreciated the bank’s continued efforts, stating that such initiatives play an important role in strengthening national consciousness and promoting a culture of discipline and fitness.

MCQs

Q1. Punjab National Bank announced ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’ ahead of which Foundation Day?
(a) 125th
(b) 130th
(c) 132nd
(d) 135th

Q2. PNB Soldierathon 2026 is scheduled to be held on:
(a) 1st April 2026
(b) 5th April 2026
(c) 10th April 2026
(d) 15th April 2026

Q3. The theme of PNB Soldierathon 2026 is:
(a) Run for Fitness
(b) Run for India
(c) Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers
(d) Fit India Movement

Q4. Who was the Chief Guest at the pre-launch ceremony?
(a) Ashok Chandra
(b) Lala Lajpat Rai
(c) Major Surendra Poonia
(d) Narendra Modi

Q5. PNB was founded by which freedom fighter?
(a) Bhagat Singh
(b) Lala Lajpat Rai
(c) Subhas Chandra Bose
(d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Q6. PNB Soldierathon 2026 is organized to promote:
(a) International trade
(b) Financial literacy
(c) Fitness and national pride
(d) Digital banking