Jammu, March 29 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, declared on Sunday that the Union Territory has transformed into a prime location for world-class events due to the prevailing peace, prosperity, and enabling conditions.

L-G Sinha emphasized that the Jammu Marathon represents the significant change that Jammu and Kashmir has undergone since 2019.

"With peace, prosperity, and enabling conditions in place, the Union Territory has finally claimed its rightful position on the global platform after seven decades," he remarked.

He made these comments during the award ceremony for the Jammu Marathon held at the Maulana Azad Stadium.

This inaugural International Half Marathon in Jammu, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, included race categories of 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km, attracting over 3,000 runners from both national and international backgrounds.

L-G Sinha described the Jammu Marathon as a significant milestone, stating that Jammu has now firmly placed itself on the global running map.

He noted that the success of this grand event is poised to boost tourism in the picturesque city of Jammu, thereby benefitting local businesses and ushering in an era of comprehensive development.

"I view the marathon as an event where participants are not preoccupied with trophies, rankings, or medals but focus solely on the next step. This reflects a crucial lesson from a marathon. Jammu and Kashmir embodies this ethos. Since 2019, we have progressed step by step, redefining our identity as a Union Territory," he added.

"We have evolved into a center of peace and prosperity, now equipped to host international marathons, cricket matches, and various global events," stated L-G Sinha.

He reminisced about the Union government's initiative to launch the Kashmir Marathon during a meeting in December 2023, highlighting that it aimed to do more than just organize a race; it sought to announce a new Jammu and Kashmir on the global sports arena.

"Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu and Kashmir is now showcasing its limitless tourism potential on the world stage," the L-G remarked.

He expressed that long-cherished dreams and aspirations are now becoming a reality.

"Through the Jammu Marathon, participants have uncovered new experiences while witnessing the profound changes taking place in Jammu and Kashmir," he noted.

He stated that driven by the citizens' unwavering determination, Jammu and Kashmir is setting new standards in development.

"The renewed commitment is evident in our sports sector. I am particularly pleased that, in alignment with the Fit India initiative, we are sparking a new sporting revolution in Jammu and Kashmir," L-G Sinha concluded.

Attendees at the ceremony included Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; as well as senior officials from civil and police administrations.

Film personalities Milind Soman and Gul Panag, along with numerous prominent citizens, athletes, and youth, also participated in the felicitation ceremony.