In his opening remarks, Indian high commissioner to The Gambia, H.E. Mr. Dinkar Asthana, said the run promotes fitness, discipline, community participation, youth engagement, and awareness of India’s development journey.
"It also provides an opportunity to communicate the values of healthy living, national development, social responsibility, and people-to-people connections,'' Asthana said.
Asthana said the run last year was organised in Dakar in 2025 and saw enthusiastic participation not only from Indian nationals but our Senegalese brethren as well.
"This year we decided to run along with our Gambian friends, with whom we share such a long and rich history and connection, and a shared vision of progress for our peoples," Asthana.
Asthana stayed that The Gambia Friendship Run” 2026 is an event that celebrates the spirit of service, unity, and collective progress.
"Today, as we gather here, we join hands in reaffirming our collective commitment to building our countries as self-reliant and developed.
This is not just a ‘run’—it is a landmark event of service, resilience, and unity,'' Asthana said.
Asthana added that the initiative is part of the larger observance by Government of india of Seva Pakhwada or the Fortnight of Service, celebrated from the 17th of September to the 2nd of October 2026.
"The Gambia too has its Gambia Vision 2050 to transform the country into a climate-resilient, middle-income nation through sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, and regional trade integration. We look forward to work closely to advance interests of Global South," Asthana stated.
Asthana commended the Indian diaspora for participation in such initiatives carries immense meaning.
Secretary General of GNOC, Yorro Njie, thanked Indian community for leveraging on the importance of sports.
Njie stated that GNOC is happy to join the celebration while assuring them of continuous working with the Indian community.
