Shimla: Upholding the cherished ethos of resilience and determination encapsulated in the school motto “Never Give In,” the 109th Annual Hodson’s Cross Country Race witnessed a spectacular display of sportsmanship as over five hundred students and staff from Lawrence School Sanawar participated with zing and zest.
The event, a cornerstone of the school’s sporting calendar, unfolded amidst great excitement and enthusiasm on the school premises. To accommodate the global interest in the event, it was live-streamed, drawing over 500 viewers worldwide, including proud parents and alumni, affectionately known as ‘Old Sanawarians.’
Hodson’s Run, featuring different age categories, saw the entire school community uniting in a spirited competition. Scaling the challenging slopes of Sanawar, Siwalik house emerged as the Overall winner, clinching the coveted trophy. Hodson’s race is a befitting tribute to Major Hodson. Endowed with an inherent passion for running, Major Hodson, a young promising officer, was appointed as the secretary of the school during its nascent years. Major Hodson is also credited for raising a cavalry regiment (The Hodson Horse) during his tenure of service in India, which is now known as The Fourth Horse Regiment. The regiment sponsors the cups and trophies for the race every year.
Celebrating individual excellence, Ranraj Choudhary and Avani Dhingra claimed the title of the best runner in the Opens category among boys and girls respectively, while Shradhaan Singh, Vito Nathan Zhimomi, and Amer Kang secured first positions in the U-16, U-14, and U-13 boys’ categories respectively. In the girls’ category, Manasvi Badola, Aarini, and Gurleen Klaire bagged first position in the U-16, U-14 and U-13 girls’ categories respectively. Vito Nathan Zhimomi set a new record in the U-14 category clocking 7 minutes 48 seconds. In the youngest U-12 age category, Baani Bakshi and Ashwary Kumar set new records, showcasing promise for the future of Sanawar’s sporting legacy.
Former National Chief Boxing coach and Dhronacharya awardee, Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The sports guru congratulating the students for their exemplary display of grit and determination, said, “If you believe in yourself, you can achieve any height in life.’ Extending gratitude to all participants and supporters, the Headmaster, Himmat Singh Dhillon lauded the senior students for their leadership and exemplary conduct throughout the event.
