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The inaugural Kashmir International Marathon witnessed a historic moment as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah completed the 21 km run, showcasing his commitment to promoting peace and tourism in the region. Abdullah, who had never run more than 13 km before, achieved an impressive average pace of 5 minutes 54 seconds per kilometer. He shared his pride in this accomplishment on social media, emphasizing the support of his family and fellow runners as a driving force. Notably, he relied on sheer enthusiasm and simple snacks, a banana and a couple of dates, to fuel his run.
The marathon's significance extends beyond Abdullah's personal achievement. Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, who attended the event, highlighted the event's role in projecting a positive image of Jammu and Kashmir to the world. He stated, 'People want to come to Kashmir, and an event like this sends a message to the entire world that participants from all over the globe are coming here. It's a big deal... It's (J&K) a paradise for the world.' The event symbolizes a renewed sense of normalcy and optimism in the region, attracting international attention and showcasing Kashmir's potential for tourism.
Abdullah's participation and victory also hold political weight. It follows the recent Union Territory elections, where the NC-Congress alliance secured a decisive win, marking the first polls in 10 years and the first since the abrogation of Article 370. The JKNC secured 42 seats, while Congress gained six. Abdullah was subsequently sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of J&K, with Surinder Kumar Choudhary serving as his deputy. Abdullah's participation in the marathon serves as a visible reminder of the NC-Congress alliance's commitment to the region's development and its efforts to restore peace and prosperity.
Source: Omar Abdullah runs 21 km ‘without training’ in 1st ever Kashmir marathon