JAMMU, Mar 29 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday flagged off the first-ever international marathon in Jammu, emphasising the need to harness sports as a tool to promote tourism and provide youth with competitive platforms outside traditional career paths.
The marathon, which began at the Maulana Azad Stadium, saw over 3,500 runners, including around 800 from outside the Union Territory, participating in three categories — 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km. Actor and fitness advocate Milind Soman and actor Gul Panag were among the prominent figures who took part.
Speaking at the event, CM Omar Abdullah as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the initiative was part of a broader push to position Jammu as a viable destination for large-scale sporting events.
“We have the infrastructure and the scenic routes. What we need is consistent effort to turn this into an annual feature,” he said.
The event, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, comes amid the government’s stated focus on diversifying tourism beyond pilgrimage and leisure circuits.
Officials said the marathon attracted international participants, with some runners noting that weather conditions posed a challenge but did not detract from the organisation.
Locals welcomed the event, pointing to its potential in building community engagement and boosting the local economy. “Such events put Jammu on the map beyond the traditional tourist season,” said a resident.
Sports Minister Satish Sharma, who was present, said the government was working to strengthen sports infrastructure across the Union Territory and planned to host more such events in the coming years. “Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, we are committed to creating opportunities for our youth in sports,” he said.
The marathon marked the first time Jammu hosted an event of this scale, with officials expressing confidence that it would become a regular fixture on the UT’s sports calendar. (KNS)
