Minister of Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar has highlighted the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police in promoting sports in the State, besides performing their professional duties. The Minister was speaking at the flag-off ceremony of Kashmir Marathon “ Run for Fun” organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police at Police Golf Course Boulevard here this morning. More than 3000 athletes including men, women and students from various educational institutions, besides a large number of retired and serving police personnel including senior officers of the organisation participated in the Marathon.The flag-off ceremony for different categories of the Run started at 6.30 a.m. Athletes from different districts of the valley had come to participate in the Marathon. A huge gathering also witnessed the Marathon along its route from Police Golf Course to Naseembagh - Ganderbal via Habbak Crossing. On the conclusion of Run, winners of all categories were awarded cash prizes and the participants were given certificates of participation.
Addressing the athletes and other participants at the function, Mr. Sagar thanked them for their participation in the event and said that the interest of the people has encouraged police organisation to conduct such events. He said JKP has organised various sports events during the summer season in the valley and the people particularly the youth have shown much interest in these events. The aim for organizing such events is to promote sports culture and to exploit the potential of the youth in different sports disciplines. Sagar appreciated the efforts of organizers, who ensured large participation of athletes from all shades of life including the students of various educational institutions of valley. He advised the youth of the State to participate in these activities which will help them in maintaining mentally and physical fit. In his welcome address, Mr. Sahai said that due to the support and cooperation of various sports organizations including J&K State Sports Council and Department of Youth Services and Sports, the event was organized successfully. He also appreciated the arrangements made by the Traffic Police on the routes of the Marathon.
At the conclusion of the Run, Mr. Sagar distributed cash prizes and certificates among the winners in different categories. Mr. Jigmit Narbo of Leh got first position in 42 Kms, while as, Mr. Hamid Aziz of Srinagar and Mr. Ishtiyaz of Badgam got first positions in 21.5 kms (Half Marathon) and 12 kms, in male category respectively. Ms. Insha Wadu of Srinagar got first position in 12 kms in girls category. Similarly, in Spoon Race, Mr Bazil Abas in boys category and Ms. Sadiya Muneer of Srinagar in girls category was adjudged winner.Among others, the function was attended by MLA, Dr. Mustafa Kamal, ADsGP, Mr. PL Gupta, Mr. Dilbag Singh and Mrs. DR Doley, IsGP, Dr. B. Srinivas, Mr. AK Choudhary, SJM Geelani, Mr. HK Lohia, Mr. Alok Puri, Mr. MA Khan and Mr. SS Khandre, senior retired police and civil officers and all Kashmir based Commandants of Armed/IRP Battalions.