Jammu, March 29 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Manoj Sinha, said on Sunday that peace, prosperity, and enabling conditions have made the Union Territory a destination for world-class events.
L-G Sinha said that the Jammu Marathon symbolizes the profound transformation that Jammu and Kashmir has embraced since 2019.
"Peace, prosperity, and enabling conditions have made the Union Territory a destination for world-class events. Its dream has finally come true, as after seven decades, Jammu and Kashmir is claiming its rightful place on the global stage," he added.
He was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of the Jammu Marathon at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu.
The first-ever International Half Marathon in Jammu, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department, featuring 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km race categories, witnessed the participation of more than 3,000 runners from across the country and abroad.
Referring to the Jammu Marathon as a historic milestone, the L-G said that Jammu has firmly established itself on the global running map.
He added that the success of this mega event promises a surge in tourism to the enchanting city of Jammu, benefiting trade and businesses and ushering in an era of comprehensive development.
"I see the marathon as the one event where runners don't worry about trophies, rankings, or medals. They just focus on the next step. And that's the biggest lesson from a marathon. Jammu and Kashmir itself embodies this principle. Since 2019, we have progressed one step at a time, creating a new identity for this Union Territory," he said.
"We have transformed it into a hub of peace and prosperity, now capable of hosting international marathons, cricket tournaments, and even international events," L-G Sinha said.
He recalled that when the Union government first conceived the Kashmir Marathon in December 2023, the goal wasn't just to organize a race, but it envisioned a new Jammu and Kashmir announcing its arrival on the global sporting stage.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu and Kashmir is now showcasing its boundless tourism potential on the world map," the L-G added.
He said that long-awaited dreams and aspirations are becoming a reality.
"Through the Jammu Marathon, the participants have not only discovered new experiences within themselves but have also witnessed the profound changes sweeping Jammu and Kashmir," he added.
He said that fueled by the citizens' unwavering resolve, Jammu and Kashmir is setting new benchmarks in development.
"The renewed resolve is taking root in our sporting arena. I am especially delighted that, in pursuit of Fit India, we are also igniting a new sporting revolution in Jammu and Kashmir," L-G Sinha added.
Satish Sharma, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Youth Services and Sports; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; and senior officials of the civil and police administration were present.
Film actors Milind Soman and Gul Panag; prominent citizens, sportspersons, and youth also attended the felicitation ceremony.