Pole Vault idol Bubka is ambassador of Tata Mumbai Marathon

Mumbai, Jan 5 (IANS) Six-time world pole vault champion Sergey Bubka was on Friday named as the international event ambassador for the 15th edition of the $405,000 Tata Mumbai Marathon, to be held on January 21.

Procam International, organisers of the country's finest distance running events,said the 1988 Olympic champion of Ukraine will give positive impact to the event and provide inspiration to sport fans across the country.

The 54-year-old was one of the first 24 athletes to be inducted as the inaugural members of the International Association of Athletics Federations Hall of Fame. He was the first pole vaulter to clear 6.0 metres and 6.10 metres, and broke the world record for men's pole vault 35 times.

He is Senior Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), serving since 2007, and President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, serving since 2005. He is also an Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), having been involved since 1996.

"I have heard a lot about the energy and spirit of this iconic race, and am looking forward to partaking in the exhilarating experience in Mumbai. The determination and commitment to training that avid runners and marathoners put in prior to the race day makes the journey to the finish line worthwhile. I wish all the participants a great race," Bubka said in a release.

Vivek B. Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International said: "We are delighted to bring on board a living legend, Sergey Bubka as the event ambassador for the 2018 edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon.

"To this day, Bubka works tirelessly to spread the spirit of sport through his stellar work in sports administration across the world. He has won numerous international awards for his sporting achievements and continues to share his passion for sport with the widest audience possible.

"With his vast experience and international achievements, he will lend a positive impact to the event and provide inspiration to sport fans across the country."