Kashmir Hosts its First-Ever International Marathon

• 21 Oct 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Kashmir added another achievement by hosting its first-ever international marathon in Srinagar, attracting over 1,700 runners from across India and 12 foreign countries.

• The total registrations included 469 runners for the 42-km full marathon and 666 for the half marathon, with participants from nations such as Kenya, Denmark, Norway, and the UAE.

Key Points

• The marathon served as a platform not only for showcasing sporting prowess but also for promoting the region's rich cultural heritage, handicrafts, and famous cuisine on a global scale.
• The restoration of peace and harmony has played a key role in enabling the area to host major international events such as G20 meetings, Formula-4 races, and International Yoga Day, highlighting the region's growing capability to attract global attention and participation.
  • To showcase the potential of J&K as a destination for tourism and investment, the government hosted the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar.
    • This was the first significant international event in J&K to integrate the region with the rest of the country and the world.
  • The city hosted its first-ever Formula-4 racing event, with the aim of promoting tourism and providing diverse career opportunities for local youth.
  • Prime Minister celebrated the 10^th International Day of Yoga in Srinagar, emphasising yoga's global impact on health and societal harmony.
• The government has also hosted other business meetings in J&K to attract investment and promote industrial development.
  • In June 2022, the government also held a Global Investors Summit in J&K, which witnessed participation from more than 200 domestic and foreign companies.
  • The summit showcased various sectors and opportunities for investment in J&K, such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, IT, renewable energy, etc.
• These events have demonstrated the government’s commitment to boost the economy and livelihood of J&K. They have also helped to change the global perception of J&K as a conflict-ridden region and highlight its potential as a peaceful and prosperous destination.