Srinagar, Oct 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would produce marathon runners capable of competing at national and international levels, saying the Kashmir International Marathon was creating opportunities for local talent to emerge on a bigger stage.
Addressing the prize distribution ceremony of the third edition of the marathon at Polo View Ground in Srinagar, Sinha said the Union Territory had abundant sporting talent but needed more platforms to help athletes demonstrate their abilities. He expressed hope that future marathon champions could emerge from any part of J&K, including Anantnag, Pulwama and Budgam.
“Phool khilne wale hain, khilenge,” the Lieutenant Governor said, expressing optimism about the region's sporting future.
Congratulating the winners, Sinha also acknowledged participants who completed the race without winning medals, noting that their determination and perseverance deserved appreciation. He encouraged successful athletes to guide emerging runners and motivate young people to take up sports.
Drawing parallels between endurance running and life's challenges, he said there were no shortcuts to success in either. He urged young people to remain focused, seize opportunities and use setbacks as motivation to move forward.
The Lieutenant Governor described the marathon's inclusion in the international racing calendar as an encouraging development for Jammu and Kashmir. He thanked the Tourism Department, police, medical teams, volunteers and other stakeholders for their role in organising the event, while also acknowledging the contribution of the Ladakh-based individual associated with the idea behind the marathon.
Emphasising the wider benefits of physical activity, Sinha urged people of all age groups to make fitness part of their daily routines.
Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad said the third edition recorded 2,136 registrations, including 73 international runners representing 12 countries. The final participation figure exceeded the 1,807 online registrations recorded before organisers introduced on-the-spot registration.
The earlier online registrations included 1,221 participants from Jammu and Kashmir, 513 from other parts of India and 73 international runners.
The event featured a 42.195-kilometre full marathon and a 21.0975-kilometre half marathon, attracting athletes from across India and abroad. Organisers aimed to promote endurance sports, encourage local participation and strengthen Kashmir's position as a destination for international sports tourism.
Kenyan athletes dominated the open full marathon categories. Kanab Kalob Omolo won the men's race, followed by Hamington Kinaro Cherub in second place and Jacob Kabacholi in third. Lemensa Harpaa secured the women's open full marathon title, while Sheren Jimilo finished second and Monika Vanjohi third.
In the men's open half marathon, Leme Teshong Lemantso claimed first place, followed by Barko Bayasa Bakale and Sambol Eric Kanguso. Ankita won the women's open half marathon, with Saha Deslin Adana finishing second and Helen Motino Megonor third.
In the local full marathon categories, Kulbir Singh won the men's race, followed by Waseem Ahmad Dar and Ragav Sharma. Neha Dewi secured the women's title, while Diksha and Salma Bedi finished second and third, respectively.
Mohammad Yaseen Mir won the men's local half marathon, followed by Rajit Sharma and Parveen Kumar. Kriti Dewi claimed the women's local half marathon title, with Sakshi Thakur in second place and Shamshad Bano in third.
The marathon also drew attention for the participation of runners who overcame personal challenges. Kulsum from Gujarat took part while carrying a child in her arms, while Shivam Kumar from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who has lost both arms, participated as a specially-abled runner.
The third edition highlighted the growing participation in endurance sports in Kashmir and renewed hopes that local athletes will increasingly compete at national and international levels.
