Srinagar, Oct 25 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for nurturing local sporting talent and promoting healthy living, saying the future is in the hands of the youth who can build tomorrow through determined effort.
Addressing the award ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon here, Sinha congratulated all the winners, noting that a total of 68 medals—34 each in the Full Marathon and Half Marathon categories—were awarded, with each medal representing dedication, perseverance and the pursuit of a dream.
The LG emphasised that the true spirit of a marathon lies not only in its winners but also in every participant who completes the race, and said that those who finish after hours of sustained effort often overcome equally challenging battles and deserve equal recognition for their determination and courage.
He applauded the inclusion of a separate category for residents of Jammu and Kashmir, observing that talent exists in every corner of the country but opportunities are not always equally available, and that the marathon had provided a valuable platform for young people from far-flung areas of the Union Territory to showcase their potential.
“The Tourism Department, the 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,” Sinha said.
He said the event has earned recognition on the global running circuit and helped position Srinagar among cities hosting prestigious long-distance races, with participants from across India and abroad acting as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir.
Underscoring the role of marathons in promoting fitness and awareness about lifestyle diseases, the LG said such events inspire healthier habits and reinforce the importance of discipline and resilience. “The sight of young participants and senior runners above the age of 50 in this Kashmir Marathon can inspire lakhs of people to at least include a daily walk in their routine,” he said.
Appealing for collective effort towards a developed India and a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said, “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. We must rise above personal interests and build an unbreakable strength that transforms every challenge into an opportunity.”
He also commended the Jammu and 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.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Tourism Secretary Avny Lavasa, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar, SSP Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, senior civil and police officials, prominent citizens, sportspersons and a large number of youth attended the ceremony. (KNS)
