Srinagar, October 25, 2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday addressed the award ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon 2026, congratulating the winners and calling for greater support to local athletes, promotion of healthy living and increased opportunities for youth across Jammu and Kashmir.
A total of 68 medals were awarded during the ceremony, including 34 medals each in the Full Marathon and Half Marathon categories. The Lieutenant Governor said every medal represented dedication, perseverance and the pursuit of a dream, while emphasising that all participants who completed the challenging race deserved recognition for their determination and courage.
Highlighting the importance of nurturing local sporting talent, LG Manoj Sinha welcomed the introduction of a separate category for residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He observed that talent exists in every corner of the country, but opportunities are not always equally available, particularly for young people from remote and far-flung areas.
He said the Kashmir Marathon had emerged as an important platform for local athletes to discover their potential, showcase their abilities and compete at higher levels. Expressing confidence in the future of sports in the Union Territory, he said that with proper guidance and support, local runners could emerge as national and international champions.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the Tourism Department, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and private institutions to provide professional trainers, mentorship and sustained support to the medal-winning local athletes.
He said the achievements of local participants should mark the beginning of a new journey towards national and international sporting competitions, adding that systematic training and encouragement would help young athletes realise their ambitions.
LG Manoj Sinha also highlighted the growing international recognition of the Kashmir Marathon, noting that the event had helped position Srinagar among the destinations hosting prestigious long-distance running competitions. Participants arriving from different parts of India and abroad, he said, become ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir, carrying back memories of the region’s hospitality, natural beauty and sporting environment.
Emphasising the importance of fitness and preventive healthcare, the Lieutenant Governor said marathons play a significant role in raising awareness about lifestyle-related diseases and encouraging people to adopt healthier routines.
He pointed to the participation of young runners and people above the age of 50 as an inspiring example for society. He expressed confidence that such events could motivate lakhs of people to make a fresh beginning towards a healthier life, even by incorporating a daily walk into their routine.
Addressing the youth, the Lieutenant Governor called for determination, discipline and collective responsibility in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. He said young people must draw strength from their experiences and approach challenges with confidence, resilience and a positive outlook.
“Shaping the future in the right direction lies in our own hands. Today, it is essential that we take responsibility for our own tomorrow and, through determined effort, create a new history,” he said.
Calling for collective efforts towards a developed India and a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir, LG Manoj Sinha urged citizens to rise above personal interests and transform challenges into opportunities through hard work and unity.
He also commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces for fostering a conducive atmosphere over the past six years, which, he said, had helped the Union Territory host prestigious international-level events.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Secretary of the Tourism Department Avny Lavasa, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar, Srinagar SSP Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, senior civil and police administration officials, prominent citizens, sportspersons and a large number of young participants.
The Kashmir Marathon 2026 highlighted the growing importance of sports tourism, youth empowerment and fitness in Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing the message that sporting achievements can inspire individuals and contribute to a healthier, more confident and self-reliant society.
