LG Sinha Says CM Omar Abdullah’s Presence Boosted Confidence in Kashmir Marathon | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the Kashmir Marathon is being developed as a flagship initiative for sports tourism and destination branding, projecting Kashmir as a global hub for sports and wellness tourism.

Speaking at the main Republic Day function in Jammu, Sinha said the event, bolstered by the participation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, “reinforced confidence, unity, and projected Kashmir’s image as a safe, open and welcoming destination.” He added that the maiden edition of the Jammu Marathon has been formally launched and is scheduled for March, 2026.

Officials described the marathon drive as part of a broader push to position Jammu and Kashmir as a centre for competitive and recreational sport. The lieutenant governor tied the initiative to recent advances in the UT’s sporting calendar, citing the first Khelo India Water Sports Festival, the fifth edition of the Winter Sports Programme, the Kashmir Super League and the hosting of the third Asian Pencak Silat Championship as evidence of growing sporting credentials.

Sinha placed the marathon announcement within a wider agenda of socio economic development, urging all generations to work towards making Jammu and Kashmir a land of equal opportunity. In his address he highlighted education and health achievements, the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs and Khelo India centres, expansion of medical infrastructure and measures to improve urban services and livelihoods.

The lieutenant governor said modern sports infrastructure and talent development remain priorities, noting that two Centres of Excellence and 92 Khelo India centres have been established across the Union Territory. He said such measures would boost sports tourism, create livelihoods and provide youth with enhanced opportunities.

While officials framed the marathon as a catalyst for tourism and local employment, no detailed timeline, budget or implementation plan for the Kashmir Marathon or the Jammu Marathon was announced in the speech. Authorities said further details would be released in due course.