Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the three-day Kashmir Marathon Expo at Polo ground on Thursday.
Highlighting a new initiative aimed at encouraging local talent, the chief minister said a separate prize category had been introduced for local runners in response to their demands. The chief minister expressed confidence that the Kashmir Marathon would attract runners from across the country and abroad, further strengthening its standing as a major sporting event in the region. “For the third time, the Kashmir Marathon is being organised. Every race has its own beauty, but the Kashmir Marathon’s surroundings are unmatched. Come, register and participate in the marathon. Winning is not as important as participating. Take part and enjoy the marathon.”
The prize money offered is also significantly higher than that of many other races,” he said. “This year, keeping in view the demands of our local runners, prizes have been introduced for them as an incentive to participate in both the half marathon and the full marathon,” he said, adding that the initiative would encourage greater participation among local athletes. Urging people who had not yet registered to take advantage of the opportunity available at the exposition, the Chief Minister said, “For those who have not registered yet, there is still an opportunity to do so here.
On Sunday, people will come to participate not only from different parts of the country but also from abroad.
Omar inspected various stalls and counters set up by government departments, private sports firms and event partners, showcasing a wide range of sports gear, equipment and accessories aimed at promoting fitness, outdoor activities and a vibrant sporting culture. The exposition also features dedicated bib collection centres and on-the-spot registration counters for participants of the upcoming marathon. The chief minister also interacted with stall owners, athletes and volunteers, appreciating their efforts in promoting sports, fitness and outdoor activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
