Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh, who is also Chairman Board for Development of Sports in India (BDSI), today flagged off 6th Jammu Marathon, dedicated to valiant Indian soldiers, from Maulana Azad stadium.Speaker Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta and Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, Horticulture, Education Priya Sethi, were present on the occasion. The theme for 6th Jammu Marathon is “Run for India! Run for Pride!!” with slogan as ‘Hindustan Meri Jaan”.About 50000 people from city of temples including MLC Charanjeet Singh Khalsa, Senior BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi, Divisional Commissioner Dr Pawan Kotwal, IGP Danish Rana, IG CRPF, Kuldeep Dhar, IG BSF Upadhyay besides other senior officers of Civil and Police administration participated in the Marathon.The Jammu Marathon passed through the areas of Bus Stand, Shakuntla Theatre, Amphalla via BC Road, CPO Chowk, Kachi Chawni, Parade, Shalamar, Indira Chowk, Dogra Chowk and culminated at MAM stadium.Addressing the participants, Choudhary Lal Singh said that the event is dedicated to brave Indian soldiers, adding that we cannot repay the debt of Indian forces and their families. He said it is a matter of great satisfaction that people from all walks of life participated in huge numbers to make this event a grand success.
The Minister urged upon the BDSI members to organize such type of events in other parts of the State also. He hoped that Run for Nation will spread like a movement in the entire country and millions of youth will become part of it.
Priya Sethi said that the spirit of youth gives a clear message that all countrymen especially the people of Jammu & Kashmir are standing rock solid with our forces who are fighting the enemy.After flag off ceremony all the dignitaries participated in the run and concluded their journey along with thousands of participants at Maulana Azad Stadium. In the Marathon, Constable Romel Singh of 166 BN CRPF secured first position, Constable Sukhdev Singh of 166 BN CRPF secured second position while Dolma emerged winner among the women runners and Insha secured second position.Later, National President, BDSI Amit Sethi thanked the dignitaries for taking part in the run for India. Marathon runners of international fame Gaurav Gupta and Rajesh Padha managed the stage and kept the gathering motivated and energetic.Vice-Chairman BDSI Vimal Manchanda, Vice-President Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Sagar Gupta, Vice-Chairman CII Rahul Sahai besides Head CII, BDSI Executive Committee Members Mohan Lal, SSP, Sandeep Mengi, Kuldeep Tikoo, Sareesh Zutshi, Rajeshwar Barna, Paramjeet Sharma, Aman, Rohini Singh, Sheetal Bhat, Pooja, Vimmi Suri, Shivani Sharma, Shama Raina also participated in the Marathon.