Srinagar, Oct 20 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the Kashmir Marathon would become an annual event and earn recognition comparable to prestigious marathons around the world.
The Chief Minister made these remarks after completing his 21-km half marathon, which he had flagged off earlier in the morning from Polo View, Srinagar on Sunday.
“I hope that the Kashmir Marathon will be organised every year and gain recognition, like the well-known marathons around the world,” said Omar Abdullah.
The Chief Minister extended his congratulations to all the participants who completed their races, adding that he hadn’t expected to finish the half marathon.
“I extend my congratulations to all the runners who completed their race. I didn’t expect that I would be able to finish my half marathon. Never in my life had I run more than 12 or 13 KM, but running alongside other participants encouraged me to complete it,” he shared.
The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to the organizers, stakeholders, and the people of Srinagar for their support.
“I thank the administration for their excellent management of the event. I am also grateful to the people of Srinagar, whose presence and encouragement motivated the runners.”
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the Kashmir Marathon, the first international athletic event of its kind to be held in the valley.
He was accompanied by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, who participated in the flag-off ceremony alongside approximately 2,000 athletes from across India and abroad.
The marathon featured top long-distance runners from India, including Asian gold medalists, as well as elite athletes from Europe and Africa.
The event included two race categories: a 42-KM full marathon and a 21-KM half marathon.
The event was organised by the Department of Tourism and the marathon aimed to showcase the improving situation in the valley and promote Kashmir as a prime destination for international events.
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty also shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “This is going to be one of the most participated marathons in the world. Where else can you get to run 42 KM in paradise!”
“It was an unbelievable experience and the idea to organise the International Kashmir Marathon was brilliant”, Actor Shetty told media persons.
“To run against the fear in heaven justifies that we are at the safest place”, he said. 1700 athletes from 13 countries are participating which is a brilliant thing.
He said, “To conduct such an event in the future is very necessary. Whenever I visit Kashmir I feel peace but today’s run was historic”.
“Athletes from different countries took part in the marathon. Sports promote unity and diversity…It was historic to run a marathon for 42 km fearlessly. There was a lot of excitement among the public”, Shetty said.
He said there was a huge enthusiasm among the people and officials who wanted such an event to happen in Kashmir.
“I saw at many places the people were offering water bottles to the athletes on the way describing the hospitality of the people of Kashmir”, he added.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma; Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal; Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez; and Director Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob, were also present at the ceremony.
