Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In an effort to revamp the state’s tourist identity, Odisha’s tourist Department unveiled a new marketing motto on Wednesday: “Think India, Think Odisha.” The OMC Puri Coastal Marathon, an international event intended to raise Odisha’s prominence in sports and experiential tourism, was introduced alongside the slogan. The marathon’s inaugural event is scheduled on December 13, 2026. According to the organizers, the tournament would be among the most competitive in India, with a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore.
Elite athletes, recreational runners, and international competitors are anticipated to compete in the race. The course will follow the coastline of Puri. There is a 6-kilometer stretch on the beautiful sand of the beach. There will be four race categories: a 42-kilometer full marathon, a 21-kilometer half marathon, a 10-kilometer run, and a 5-kilometer run. The variety of categories is intended to guarantee widespread involvement. The marathon’s official website is now operational. Runners from India and other nations can now register.
Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Patnaik marked the launch by creating a sand sculpture at Blue Flag Beach. The artwork revealed the official OPCM logo. The logo takes inspiration from key symbols of Odisha. It features the Patita Pavana Bana of the Shree Jagannath Temple, the Konark Chakra, and waves of the Bay of Bengal. Together, the elements represent movement, energy, and the state’s coastal character. The launch event in Puri was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida. MLAs Om Prakash Mishra of Satyabadi, Ashrit Pattanayak of Pipili, and Sunil Kumar Mohanty of Puri were also present.
Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh joined them, along with senior officials and stakeholders from the tourism and sports sectors. Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Minister said Odisha is moving toward a high-performance tourism economy. She said the growth is being driven by focused branding, better infrastructure, and engaging visitor experiences. She added that the new tagline presents a bold and aspirational identity.
