Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 17: Army’s Kamal Singh claimed the title in men’s section of the fourth Jammu Marathon, which witnessed the participation of just a few hundreds, instead of many thousands claimed by the organizers, here today.
Earlier, the event was flagged off by Minister for Medical Education, Sports and Youth Services, Taj-Mohi-ud-Din and Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla from the M A Stadium in presence of Bollywood star Tia Bajpai, lacked enthusiasm as witnessed meagre participation, notwithstanding the tall claims made by the organisers.
Mandeep Kour bagged the top honours in the controversy-hit women’s category.
The second prize in the men’s section went to Ram Raj, an SPO in the Jammu Kashmir Police (JKP) while his counterpart from armed wing of JKP, Riyaz Ahmed, finished at third place.
In the women’s section, Jaspreet Kour was the second fastest to complete the 8.5 km stretch, followed by Nazish Fatima.
There was, however, confusion over the top place in the women’s category as Anjali Choudhary claimed that she was the first to cross the finish line and should have been awarded the top prize.
Anjali along with few other participants raised slogans against the organisers — Board of Development for Sports in India (BDSI) — and cried foul.
The organisers said that they had no role in this and that the results were based on the decision of the judges.
“We don’t have any role in this. The results are decided by the judges. She was disqualified by the judges,” director BDSI, Amit Sethi said.
First prize included a sum of Rs 21,000, while the runner-up received a sum of Rs 11,000. The second runner-up got Rs 5,100.
The organisers blamed overnight rain and bad weather for the low turn-out. However, they claimed that more than 15,000 people had registered for the event.
“More than 15,000 prticipants had registered for the event but there was not a great participation as overnight rain forced many to stay indoors,” Sethi said.
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Minister for Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din said that the event was organized for the honour and dignity of the Indian women as they have special place in our society.
“Some unfortunate incidents took place recently, which have happened in past also. Let us pledge to hold the dignity of our mothers, sisters and daughters,” Taj added.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhalla said the event will go a long way in promoting brotherhood in the State, besides bringing peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir through the messengers of peace (sportspersons).
The adjudicators of the event included J&K State Sports Council coaches Shambu Singh, Gurcharan Singh, Dalbir Singh, Inderpal Singh, Vikas Dogra, Chotu Lal, Amit Vadhera and Vishwanath.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Kuldeep Verma, vice chairman Backward Classes, S Jaipal Singh, Director Youth Services and Sports, JP Singh, DIG, Shakeel A Beigh, DIG and Dileep Thussu, Secretary J&K State Sports Council.
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