SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the Jammu Marathon reflects the profound transformation Jammu and Kashmir has undergone since 2019, asserting that peace, prosperity and enabling conditions have positioned the Union Territory as a destination for world-class sporting and tourism events.
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony of the Jammu Marathon held at MA Stadium, Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor said the region has, after decades, “claimed its rightful place on the global stage,” crediting sustained development and improved conditions for enabling large-scale international participation.
The first-ever International Half Marathon in Jammu, organised by the JK Tourism Department, featured 21 km, 10 km and 5 km race categories and saw participation of over 3,000 runners from across India and abroad, marking one of the largest mass participation sporting events held in the region.
Terming the marathon a historic milestone, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu has firmly established itself on the global running map. He added that such events are expected to boost tourism in Jammu, benefiting trade and local businesses while contributing to broader economic development.
Highlighting the spirit of endurance associated with marathon running, the LG said that participants focus on steady progress rather than outcomes such as medals or rankings. He said Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey since 2019 mirrors this approach of “one step at a time,” shaping a new identity for the Union Territory as a hub of peace, development and sporting activity.
He further said that when the Government of India conceptualised the Kashmir Marathon in December 2023, the objective extended beyond organising a sporting event and aimed at signalling Jammu and Kashmir’s emergence on the global sports map.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor said, Jammu and Kashmir is now showcasing its tourism and sporting potential internationally, with growing capacity to host marathons, cricket matches and other global events.
He added that long-awaited aspirations of the people are gradually turning into reality, with participants in such events witnessing and experiencing the ongoing transformation of the region. The Lieutenant Governor also said that Jammu and Kashmir is setting new benchmarks in development driven by public resolve and institutional efforts.
Emphasising the focus on sports and fitness, he said the administration is committed to promoting the “Fit India” movement while encouraging a broader sporting culture across the Union Territory.
The event was attended by Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ashish Chandra Verma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti and senior civil and police officials.
Film actors Milind Soman and Gul Panag, along with prominent citizens, sportspersons and a large number of youth, also participated in the felicitation ceremony.
