New Delhi, October 12, 2025 – In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, 60-year-old Pallavi crossed the finish line of the 10K category at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025, barely 14 months after undergoing bilateral robotic total knee replacement (TKR) surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Her inspiring achievement today, amid thousands of runners at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, has captured hearts and highlighted the transformative power of advanced medical interventions and unwavering spirit.
Starting and ending at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the event transformed New Delhi's streets into a vibrant celebration of fitness, endurance, and community. Amid the elite athletes and mass runners, Pallavi's story stood out as a beacon of hope for those navigating post-surgical recovery.
The national capital, Delhi, witnessed an energetic start to the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 this morning, as people from all age groups participated with great enthusiasm. The 20th edition of the marathon was flagged off by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. The event also saw the presence of Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Pallavi's journey began in mid-2024 when severe osteoarthritis in both knees confined her to limited mobility and chronic pain. "Walking even short distances was a battle," she shared post-race, her voice steady despite the exertion. "I never imagined I'd run again, let alone complete a 10K marathon." Under the expert care of Dr. (Prof.) Raju Vaishya, a renowned senior orthopaedic surgeon and Dr. Abhishek Vaish, Orthopedic Surgeon at Inderprastha Apollo Hospital with over 38 years of experience in joint replacements, Pallavi underwent robotic-assisted bilateral TKR surgery. Dr. Vaishya, a pioneer in arthroscopic joint surgery and a Limca Book of Records honoree for his contributions to orthopaedics, led the procedure that replaced both her knees with precision-engineered implants.
The robotic TKR, known for its minimally invasive approach and enhanced accuracy, allowed Pallavi a swift recovery. "Modern techniques like these not only alleviate pain but restore functionality to levels that enable active lifestyles," Dr. Vaishya explained. "Pallavi's dedication to physiotherapy and gradual training exemplifies what patients can achieve with commitment." Just over a year post-surgery, Pallavi laced up her running shoes for the Delhi Half Marathon's 10K Open Run, a 10-kilometer course weaving through the capital's historic landmarks.
Pallavi's feat resonates deeply in a nation where arthritis affects millions, particularly women over 50. Her story echoes global inspirations like ultra-runner Richard Donovan, who completed grueling distances on partial knee replacements, but hits close to home amid India's growing focus on senior fitness. As registrations for the event—open from July 17 to September 19—closed last month, participants like Pallavi embodied the marathon's ethos: "Run for a Cause," supporting initiatives for health and sustainability.
Pallavi plans to inspire others through awareness sessions at Apollo Hospitals, urging those facing joint issues to explore options early. In a world racing toward wellness, her 10K stride proves that the finish line is always within reach.
Dr. Raju Vaishya, who has trained over 300 surgeons globally and holds prestigious fellowships including FRCS (London) and FACS (USA), praised Pallavi's progress. "Cases like hers underscore the success of robotic-assisted surgeries in enabling patients over 60 to pursue passions they thought lost," he noted. Apollo Hospitals, a leader in orthopaedic innovation, celebrated her milestone as an endorsement of their patient-centric approach, which includes post-op programs tailored for active seniors.
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