Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Oct 25 (JKNS): Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, on Sunday said the Kashmir Marathon was witnessing increased participation and improved arrangements, expressing hope that the event would establish itself among the world’s renowned marathons in the coming years.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the flag-off ceremony of Kashmir Marathon 3.0 in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS, Advisor Wani said the government was making continuous efforts to improve the event every year and provide better facilities to participants.
“This year, as you have seen, there is more participation than last year. There are more facilities, and we have also improved the arrangements. We are trying to improve it every year, and this is going to become a name in the marathon circuit,” he said.
Wani expressed hope that the Kashmir Marathon would gain international recognition in the coming years and become part of the globally renowned marathon circuit.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to extend Kashmir’s tourism season and organise activities throughout the year, saying the Chief Minister had personally focused on ensuring an early start to the tourist season and sustained activity towards its end.
Referring to the recently inaugurated Krishantham Garden, Wani said tourism-related initiatives were contributing to the Valley’s appeal, while the Kashmir Marathon was adding a major sporting attraction during the autumn season.
He said the government was now looking forward to the winter season and expressed hope for timely snowfall to facilitate the early start of skiing and other winter tourism activities.
“Earlier, there was a lot of enthusiasm for adventure tourism here, and we are happy and satisfied that it is being revived again. Kashmir was always on the map of tourism for adventure activities, and we have a lot of opportunities,” Wani said.
Listing activities such as trekking, running, high-altitude mountain running, rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking and river rafting, he said Kashmir had significant potential to emerge as a major adventure tourism destination.
Chief Minister’s advisor Nasir said continued efforts to promote sporting events and adventure activities could further strengthen Kashmir’s tourism profile and attract visitors throughout the year. (JKNS)
