Srinagar: Sher Singh and Tamsi Singh on Sunday won the men’s and women’s full-marathon races (42 km), respectively, in the inaugural Kashmir Marathon, the Valley’s first international athletic event in which nearly 2,000 athletes from various parts of the country and abroad took part.
In the 18-35 age category, Sher Singh clocked 2:23:22 to emerge the winner, one minute and 42 seconds ahead of second-placed Mann Singh.
In the women’s event in the same age group, Tamsi Singh finished with a timing of 3:03:25, while Bhagirathi Bisht finished a close second clocking 3:04:11.
More than 1700 runners from across the country and 12 foreign nations participated in the 42 km full marathon and 21 km half marathon.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave away the prizes to the winners.
In his address, the LG congratulated all the winners and participants. He lauded the efforts of the Tourism department, J&K Police, security forces, Youth Services & Sports department and all the stakeholders for the success of the Kashmir Marathon.
“This successful mega event has put J&K on the world marathon map,” he said.
Terming the occasion as another “historic moment” for J&K, the LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “absolute transformation of J&K”, which has made hosting of such international events possible, an official press release said.
“Prime Minister’s decisive leadership and restoration of peace and normalcy in J&K has ensured people can enjoy international cricket matches, Formula-4 race and feel proud by hosting global events like G20 Summit and International Yoga Day,” the LG said.
He said the “record tourists’ arrival in the last few years stands as a testimony to the peace, progress and prosperity in J&K”.
The LG also announced that very soon the Jammu Marathon will be organized on a similar scale as Kashmir Marathon.
With its ideal climate, rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and scenic beauty, J&K is emerging as a preferred destination for international sporting events. The signature running events at Srinagar and Jammu in future, will bring together runners from across the globe and encourage tourism, he further added.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took the centre stage as he led the way by running the half-marathon after flagging off the event accompanied by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty.
Speaking on the occasion, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty said: “I feel blessed to have got the opportunity to be a part of this historic day. With the kind of hospitality and scenic beauty J&K has, I am confident that in the coming days, it will become the number one global spot for international events like marathons. Efforts will surely be made to bring more films to Jammu Kashmir.”
