Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 25
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for greater support for local athletes, saying the Kashmir Marathon could help young runners from remote areas develop their talent and compete at national and international levels.
Speaking at the marathon’s awards ceremony in Srinagar, LG Sinha said sporting opportunities should be made more accessible to promising athletes across the Union Territory.
He urged the tourism department, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and private institutions to provide local medal winners with professional training, mentoring and support.
“I want the medal won by local youth at today’s Kashmir Marathon to mark the beginning of a new journey,” the LG said.
A total of 68 medals were presented, with 34 awarded in each of the full and half marathon categories.
LG Sinha said every participant deserved recognition for the perseverance required to complete the race, regardless of finishing position.
He welcomed the introduction of a separate category for Jammu and Kashmir residents, saying the initiative would give local runners a platform to demonstrate their abilities.
The LG also said the event had strengthened Srinagar’s profile on the international running circuit and helped promote the region’s tourism potential.
Participants from India and abroad could act as ambassadors for Jammu and Kashmir by sharing their experiences of its hospitality and natural attractions, he said.
LG Sinha also highlighted the role of mass-participation sporting events in encouraging physical activity and raising awareness about lifestyle-related diseases.
He said the sight of young runners and participants aged over 50 could encourage more people to incorporate walking and other forms of exercise into their daily routines.
The LG credited the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces with helping create conditions for international-level events to take place in the region over the past six years.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Tourism Secretary Avny Lavasa, and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg attended the ceremony.
