SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would soon produce a marathon runner capable of making a mark at national and international levels, saying the Kashmir Marathon was creating new opportunities for local sporting talent.
Addressing the prize distribution ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon 2026 at Polo View Ground in Srinagar, Sinha said talent existed across the Union Territory but often lacked adequate platforms to demonstrate its potential.
He said a future marathon champion could emerge from any district, including Anantnag, Pulwama or Budgam, expressing optimism about the region’s sporting prospects.
Congratulating the winners, the Lieutenant Governor also applauded participants who completed the race without winning medals, describing their determination and perseverance as equally worthy of recognition.
“You are not merely participants; you are also winners. Those who keep running and cross the finish line after several hours deserve our salute,” he said.
Sinha said the Kashmir Marathon had helped bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by providing aspiring athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities. He urged the winners to mentor emerging runners and inspire more young people to take up sports.
Expressing confidence in the future of athletics in the region, he said, “I am confident that the next big name in marathon running will emerge from Jammu and Kashmir.”
He noted that several young participants viewed the marathon as the beginning of a new journey and expressed hope that the event would continue nurturing local talent. “Flowers are about to bloom and they will bloom (Phool khilne wale hain, khilenge),” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also welcomed the Kashmir Marathon’s inclusion in the calendar of international marathons and races, describing the development as encouraging for Jammu and Kashmir.
He congratulated the Tourism Department, police, medical teams, volunteers and other stakeholders for their contribution to the successful organisation of the event. He also acknowledged the contribution of a person from Ladakh associated with the original idea of the marathon, noting its evolution into a platform that brings people together through sport.
Emphasising the broader significance of the event, Sinha said the Kashmir Marathon was not merely a sporting competition but also an opportunity to promote fitness, healthier lifestyles and greater public participation in physical activities.
Expressing concern over the growing amount of time people spend on mobile phones and screens, he stressed the importance of incorporating exercise and sports into everyday routines.
He said participation in a marathon was not essential for everyone, but people of all age groups should make physical activity part of their daily lives. He expressed hope that the event would encourage greater participation in fitness activities, including among people above 50.
Addressing young people, Sinha said a marathon offered valuable lessons in determination, patience and overcoming challenges that could be applied to everyday life.
He observed that runners often experience exhaustion and difficulties during a race but continue moving towards the finish line, demonstrating the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
“There are no shortcuts in a marathon, and there are no shortcuts in life either,” he said, urging young people to remain determined when confronted with setbacks.
Sinha called upon the youth to recognise opportunities, take responsibility and transform challenges into stepping stones towards success.
He said young people had a significant role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s future and urged them to contribute towards building a confident, energetic society with a strong sporting culture.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed hope that the Kashmir Marathon would continue attracting participants from across India and abroad while strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a destination for sports and tourism.
The Kashmir Marathon 2026 brought together local, domestic and international runners, with the event focused on promoting fitness, encouraging
