JAMMU, MAR 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said Sunday that the Jammu Marathon embodies the profound transformation Jammu & Kashmir has undergone since 2019, marking its emergence as a destination for world‑class sporting events.
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony of the first‑ever International Half Marathon at Maulana Azad Stadium, Sinha highlighted that peace, prosperity and enabling conditions have helped the UT “claim its rightful place on the global stage” after seven decades.
The Jammu Marathon, organised by the J&K Tourism Department, featured 21 km, 10 km and 5 km race categories and drew over 3,000 participants from across India and abroad. The LG described the event as a historic milestone, putting Jammu firmly on the global running map and promising a surge in tourism, trade and business activity.
He drew a parallel between the marathon and J&K’s own journey, saying the Union Territory has advanced “one step at a time” since 2019, evolving into a hub of peace, prosperity, cricket tournaments and international events. Sinha linked the race to the “Fit India” vision, pointing to a new sporting revolution in J&K, with young athletes and citizens embracing fitness and healthy lifestyles.
Sinha also recalled that the idea of a J&K marathon, first conceived by the Union government in 2023, was never just about organising a race, but about announcing a new‑look Jammu & Kashmir on the global sporting stage. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he said, the region is now showcasing its tourism potential across the world and turning “long‑awaited dreams and aspirations into reality”.
Actor and marathon enthusiast Milind Soman, actor‑writer Gul Panag, prominent citizens, sportspersons and large numbers of youth also attended the felicitation ceremony.
