Mumbai, January 13, 2006: The Essar Group hosted world-renowned athlete, Paul Tergat for an interactive session with Essar employees and Akanksha children. Tergat, a world record holder in the marathon, shared his experience with the kids and Essar's employees and gave his impressions on what it takes to become a long distance runner on both the running track and the track of life. The captivated audience was enthralled to hear the living legend relate his own experiences, share nuggets of wisdom on athletics, keeping oneself fit, and his never say die spirit.

Paul Tergat was particularly happy to see the enthusiasm of Akanksha children who will be running the Dream Run. He said that a childhood full of fighting spirit, struggles and the zeal to overcome them is the hallmark of great men and women and all the children from Akanksha have the ability to win any marathon of life. This year 10 boys from Akanksha will run the Half Marathon, fulfilling another dream they nurtured after last year's Dream run.

Amazed to see the spirit of the common person of Mumbai who brings the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon to life, he commended the efforts Essar is taking as an Associate Sponsor of the event. "The Marathon is a long distance race and requires tremendous stamina and determination. I am told Essar's businesses are in a similar league and the fit for a company like Essar with the marathon is ideal. He also said, "The enthusiasm combined with capability and preparation will bring out the best athletic talents of Mumbai in this marathon. I hope this tradition continues in Mumbai for years and soon catches the rest of India with its infectious spirit," said Tergat with his trademark charm and humility.

"The Mumbai Marathon is the perfect platform for a corporate to touch people, get involved with the mood of the city and nurture home-grown sports enthusiasts, said Prashant Ruia, Managing Director, Essar Steel and Director of Essar Group Companies, on Essar's association with Mumbai Marathon. He also mentioned that Essar is sponsoring 10 boys from Aakanksha to run the Half-Marathon and has also sponsored their training to enable them to be in full preparedness to complete the 21 km. run.

About the Essar Group
The Essar Group is one of the largest corporate houses of India with businesses spanning the core and service sectors of steel, oil & gas, power, telecom & BPO, shipping and constructions. The Group has an asset base of over Rs. 20,000 Crores (US$ 4.4 million).