Srinagar, Oct 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday highlighted the growing international stature of the Kashmir Marathon, saying the event has earned recognition on the global running circuit and has helped position Srinagar among the cities hosting prestigious long-distance races. He said participants from across India and abroad act as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir, carrying back memories of its hospitality and natural beauty.
Addressing the award ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated all the winners for their outstanding achievements. A total of 68 medals were awarded, comprising 34 medals each in the Full Marathon and Half Marathon categories. He noted that every medal represented dedication, perseverance and the pursuit of a dream.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor said the true spirit of a marathon lies not only in its winners but also in every participant who completes the race. He stated that those who finish after hours of sustained effort often overcome equally challenging battles and deserve equal recognition for their determination and courage.
Sinha applauded the inclusion of a separate category for residents of Jammu and Kashmir in the Marathon, saying that talent exists across every corner of the country but opportunities are not always equally available. He observed that the Kashmir Marathon has provided a valuable platform for young people from far-flung areas of the Union Territory to discover and showcase their potential, expressing confidence that future marathon champions would emerge from Jammu and Kashmir with the right support and encouragement.
“Tourism Department, Jammu Kashmir Sports Council, and private institutions must provide trainers for today’s local winners, support and mentor them, and guide them so that, building upon this marathon, they can reach national and international tournaments. I want the medal won by local youth at today’s Kashmir Marathon to mark the beginning of a new journey,” he said.
The LG also underscored the role of marathons in promoting fitness and public awareness about lifestyle diseases, observing that such events inspire people to adopt healthier habits and reinforce the importance of sustained effort, discipline and resilience. “Marathons inspire people to make a new beginning towards a healthy life. I am fully confident that the sight of young participants and also senior runners above the age of 50 in this very Kashmir Marathon can inspire lakhs of people to take a step forward and at least include a daily walk in their routine,” he said.
Encouraging young people to draw strength from their experiences in the marathon and approach future challenges with confidence and determination, he called upon citizens, especially the youth, to contribute towards building a developed India and a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
“Shaping the future in the right direction lies in our own hands. Today, it is essential that we take responsibility for our own tomorrow and, through determined effort, create a new history. For a developed India and a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir, we must rise above personal interests and build an unbreakable strength that transforms every challenge into an opportunity,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended the Jammu Kashmir Police and security forces for fostering a conducive atmosphere over the past six years, paving the way for hosting such prestigious international-level events in the Union Territory.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Avny Lavasa, Secretary, Tourism Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sujit Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officials of civil and police administration, prominent citizens, sportspersons and a large number of youth attended the felicitation ceremony.
