LG Manoj Sinha Felicitates Jammu Marathon Winners; Declares J&K a Global Hub for World-Class Events
JAMMU, MARCH 29 — In a landmark celebration of sports and regional transformation, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha felicitated the winners of the first-ever Jammu International Half Marathon at the MA Stadium on Sunday.
Addressing a massive gathering of athletes and citizens, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the successful execution of this event firmly establishes Jammu on the global running map. He emphasized that the marathon symbolizes the profound shift Jammu Kashmir has undergone since 2019, evolving into a destination capable of hosting international-scale sporting events and cricket tournaments, which in turn promises a significant boost to local trade, businesses, and tourism.
During the ceremony, Manoj Sinha remarked that the marathon serves as a metaphor for the Union Territory’s own journey, where progress is achieved by focusing on “the next step” rather than just the final trophy. He noted that after seven decades, Jammu Kashmir is finally claiming its rightful place on the world stage, driven by an era of peace and prosperity.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that when the concept of a major marathon was first envisioned in late 2023, the goal was to announce the arrival of a “New Jammu Kashmir” to the global sporting community.
He credited the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enabling the region to showcase its boundless tourism potential and setting new benchmarks in comprehensive development.
The event, organized by the J&K Tourism Department, featured over 3,000 runners participating across 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km categories, drawing talent from across India and abroad.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the “Fit India” movement is igniting a genuine sporting revolution in the region, fueled by the unyielding resolve of its citizens.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and fitness icons Milind Soman and Gul Panag, all of whom witnessed what the Lieutenant Governor described as the realization of long-awaited dreams and aspirations for the people of Jammu.