Flags off Marathon with thousands of sprinters from 30 countries
DIHAR revolutionised UT’s Agro-Tech; ensures fresh veg supply
Leh, Sept 13: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, Saturday flagged off the ‘Run for Fun’ Marathon, a part of the 12th edition of the Ladakh Marathon, near NDS Ground Leh. Around 1,650 runners, including students and persons with disabilities, participated in the event.
The Lt Governor said that the Ladakh Marathon has not only boosted tourism but also created new livelihood opportunities for local communities by attracting runners from across India and abroad.
Highlighting its growing stature, Kavinder Gupta noted that the Ladakh Marathon has emerged as one of India’s most prestigious long-distance races and is now a globally recognised endurance event.
With more than 6,000 runners from over 30 countries participating this year, the marathon has put Ladakh firmly on the global sporting map.
The Lt Governor remarked that the event’s challenging high-altitude terrain, coupled with Ladakh’s unique culture, makes it a rare and inspiring experience for participants. Despite the oxygen-thin atmosphere and unpredictable mountain weather, runners show remarkable enthusiasm, he said.
The Lt Governor also underlined that AIMS certification, iconic races like Khardung La Challenge and Silk Route Ultra, and the warm participation of Ladakhi people have made the event truly distinctive. He commended the organisers for their professional conduct of the marathon, ensuring both safety and a memorable experience for runners.
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed special appreciation for the participation of persons with disabilities in the marathon, noting that their determination and spirit are a true inspiration for society. He said their active involvement reflects the inclusive spirit of Ladakh Marathon and sends a powerful message of courage, equality, and perseverance.
Kavinder Gupta also appealed to the youth to actively take part in sports and physical activities, stressing that sports not only build fitness and discipline but also provide opportunities for personal growth and national pride.
On the occasion, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Bhanu Prabha; Administrative Secretary, Sanjit Rodrigues; Administrative Secretary, Bhupesh Chaudhary, and the President of ALTOA were also present.
Later in the day, the LG said Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR) has revolutionised Ladakh’s agro-tech sector by pioneering cold-arid agro-animal technologies, significantly improving food security, socio-economic development, and military-civil cooperation.
Its research has enabled both locals and soldiers to cultivate a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, strengthened food availability for troops, and introduced innovative solar thermal technologies for sustainable heating — all vital for enhancing the quality of life in Ladakh’s high-altitude environment.
This he stated during his visit to the DIHAR Centre in Leh. He was accompanied by First Lady Bindu Gupta; Director, DIHAR, Dr. O.P. Chaurasia; scientists and staff of DIHAR.
The Lt Governor highlighted DIHAR’s vital role in developing and implementing advanced cold-arid agro-animal technologies to support the Army and local communities in extreme climatic conditions.
He noted that DIHAR’s innovations — such as specialised greenhouses, passive solar energy systems, and research on medicinal plants — have been of immense benefit to both soldiers and civilians.
Commending DIHAR for its revolutionary farming techniques, the Lt Governor said that the successful introduction of new vegetable and fruit crops in such a challenging terrain has been a breakthrough.
He added that models like the Ladakh Greenhouse have ensured the supply of fresh vegetables during peak winter months, when temperatures plummet below minus 20 degrees, reducing dependence on tinned food.
Earlier, Dr. O.P. Chaurasia gave a detailed presentation on DIHAR’s journey since its inception in 1960, aimed at augmenting fresh food supply for troops in collaboration with local farmers.
He highlighted the introduction of over 100 varieties of vegetables, several fruit crops, and the development of the Ladakh Greenhouse model.
Earlier, the Lt Governor also inspected the Vegetable Research Unit and the Animal Research Unit.
