LG Sinha Calls for Nurturing Local Talent, Promoting Healthy Living at Kashmir Marathon Award Ceremony
Srinagar, October 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for nurturing local sporting talent and promoting a culture of fitness, while addressing the award ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon in Srinagar.
Congratulating the winners for their outstanding performances, the Lieutenant Governor said that a total of 68 medals were awarded, including 34 each in the Full Marathon and Half Marathon categories. He said every medal symbolised dedication, perseverance and the pursuit of a dream.
Emphasising that the true spirit of a marathon extends beyond the winners, Sinha said every participant who completes the race deserves recognition. He observed that those who cross the finish line after hours of sustained effort often overcome equally challenging battles, demonstrating courage, determination and resilience.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the introduction of a separate category for residents of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the initiative would help identify and encourage local talent. He noted that while sporting potential exists across the country, opportunities are not always equally accessible, and the Kashmir Marathon has provided a valuable platform for young people from remote areas of the Union Territory to showcase their abilities.
Expressing confidence that future marathon champions would emerge from Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha called upon the Tourism Department, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and private institutions to provide professional training, mentorship and sustained support to local medal winners.
“Today’s medal won by local youth at the Kashmir Marathon should mark the beginning of a new journey. They must be guided and supported so that they can progress to national and international competitions,” he said.
Highlighting the growing international stature of the event, the Lieutenant Governor said the Kashmir Marathon had gained recognition on the global running circuit and helped establish Srinagar among the cities hosting prestigious long-distance races.
He said participants from across India and abroad serve as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir, carrying back memories of its hospitality, scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
Sinha also underscored the importance of marathons in promoting physical fitness and raising awareness about lifestyle-related diseases. He said such sporting events encourage people to adopt healthier habits while reinforcing the values of discipline, perseverance and sustained effort.
“Marathons inspire people to make a new beginning towards a healthy life. I am confident that the participation of young runners and senior citizens above the age of 50 in this Kashmir Marathon will inspire lakhs of people to take a step forward and include at least a daily walk in their routine,” he said.
Encouraging the youth to draw inspiration from their marathon experience, the Lieutenant Governor called upon them to approach future challenges with confidence and determination.
He said building a developed India and a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir requires collective commitment, hard work and the ability to rise above individual interests.
“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,” Sinha said.
“For a developed India and a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir, we must rise above personal interests and build an unbreakable strength that transforms every challenge into an opportunity. Let us resolve today that we ourselves will be the architects of our future,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces for fostering a conducive atmosphere over the past six years, which, he said, had paved the way for hosting prestigious international-level events in the Union Territory.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Sujit Kumar, SSP Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, senior civil and police administration officials, prominent citizens, sportspersons and a large number of youth attended the felicitation ceremony. ANB
