PUNE : The Inter Squadron Cross Country Championship at National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla for Autumn Term 2019 was conducted on Wednesday. 

This prestigious event, which tests the limits of physical endurance, determination and will power of cadets, was flagged off by Rear Admiral SK Grewal, Deputy Commandant & Chief Instructor, NDA. 
A total of 1,493 cadets from the 18 squadrons of the academy participated in the event, in which the cadets ran a gruelling course of 12 km plus across varying terrain in the academy Campus.

Echo Squadron won the Cross Country Championship, while Battalion Cadet Adjutant Watan Deep Singh Sidhu of Mike Squadron came first with a time of 41 minutes and 30 seconds. Around 76 per cent of the cadets finished it within 51 minutes. Deputy Commandant, NDA, presented the trophies and individual prizes to the proud winners. 

He congratulated the winning squadron and praised the resolve, fighting spirit and never give up attitude displayed by all participating cadets. 

He also highlighted the importance of systematic and scientific practice training while preparing for a cross country event.