More such events in future: Khoda
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: A large number of people including men, women and children from 5 to 85 years of age participated in the Marathon “Run for Fun”, organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police under its `Civic Action Programme’ in Jammu city this morning.
Such a largely participated Marathon was held for the first time in Jammu city.
Enthusiastic children and youth including many girls, senior citizens, both serving and retired police officers and people from other walks of society participated in the Marathon in different categories.
Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani flagged off the Marathon from Police Sports Stadium, Gulshan Ground in the wee hours. The Marathon culminated back at the venue after passing through various routes in the city. People cheered the Marathon as the runners passed through different routes.
The flag off ceremony for different categories of the Run
started at 5 am. People from different parts of the City had thronged the venue to participate in the Marathon.
More than 15,000 athletes including students from different educational institutions, sports bodies, police personnel, para-military personnel, small children, members of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu civil society, Jammu Club, Jammu Bar Association, media persons and senior citizens joined the Run.
The Marathon passed from different routes of the City before returning to Gulshan Ground from where it had started. The City wore a festive look with people of all ages and all sections of society participating in it. The children were also seen enjoying the Run for Fun.
Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda told the Excelsior that the Marathon was very well organized and it would further promote good relations between police and public.
SSP Jammu Prabhat Singh was the topper in four kilometers senior citizens Marathon.
On the culmination of Run, 33 winners from all categories were awarded cash prizes and certificate of participation by Mr Khoda, who was the Chief Guest at the concluding function. Prize winners of the Marathon, who got first position in different categories include Tanvir Ahmed, Ghulam Mohammad, Ifra Anjum and Renku Kumar.
On the occasion, the Director General of Police addressed the gathering and said that the JKP has organized various sports events during the winter under its Civic Action Programme.
“The people particularly the youth have shown much interest in these events. The aim behind organizing sports events is to develop police public coordination and strengthen their relation with the people’’, Mr Khoda said, adding that such events help to channelize the energy of the youth towards right direction and hone their talent.
He reiterated that the police organization would continue its efforts to inspire the youth of the state towards sports and for this purpose such events would be held in future also. He thanked the people particularly the youth for their participation in the Marathon. He added that huge participation of the people has encouraged police organization to conduct such events.
Appreciating the efforts of Additional Director General of Police, Armed/Law & Order, K Rajendra Kumar and members of organizing committee for organizing the event in a befitting manner, the DGP said that the officers put great efforts and ensured large participation of athletes from all shades of life. He said that due to the support and cooperation of sports bodies, educational institutions and other organizations, the event was concluded successfully. He also appreciated the arrangements made by the Traffic Police on the routes of the Marathon.
Among others, the function was attended by Additional Directors General of Police, K Rajendra Kumar and Dr Shesh Pal Vaid, IGPs, Dilbagh Singh, Dr. B. Srinivas, A K Chowdhary and Gulzar Singh Salathia, senior retired police officers, DIGs, Dr KK Saini, Yogender Koul, Alok Puri, A Q Manhas, Danish Rana, J P Singh and Johny Williams, Director Youth Services and Sports, Jai Paul Singh, Secretary, JK Sports Council, Kiran Wattal, President Bar Association, D S Slathia, President, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Y B Sharma, Physical Director, Jammu University, Prof. Dian Singh, Commandants of Jammu based armed/IRP battalions and prominent citizens.
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