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Srinagar: To commemorate the 74th Republic Day and India’s prestigious G20 presidency, people from all walks of life from Lolab valley including youth, children, and girls; first of its kind & first time in the history of Lolab valley conducted and participated in a Mini Marathon starting from Gujjarpatti to Model village Chandigam and covering the distance of 6 Kilometres.
The mini marathon was flagged off by CO 28 RR Bn (Jak Rif) along with prominent people from Lolab valley.
Republic Day celebration was filled with Josh and exuberance when people of Lolab valley whole heartedly participated in the Lolab Mini Marathon organised by the Indian Army in consonance with local people to commemorate the national festival. Notably, this is the first time in the history of Lolab that 30 girls also participated in a Mini Marathon with high josh and enthusiasm.
It is pertinent to mention that, CO 28 RR Bn (Jak Rif), Subedar Major and many soldiers of 28 RR Bn ran along with the girls to motivate them for participating and running in this kind of Mini Marathon for the first time in the history of Lolab valley.
The mini marathon saw a healthy participation of 300 youth and 30 girls between the age bracket of 15 years to 25 years. The Marathon was flagged-off at Gujjarpatti and the marathon culminated at Chandigam Ground covering a total distance of 6 Kms passing through Sogam market & beautiful landscapes of Lolab Valley.
The enthusiasm and fervency of all the participants was on full display as they gave their heart out while completing the route. Through this event the Indian Army not only harped upon the significance of physical fitness and positive youth engagement but also conveyed a message of empowerment of the young girls of Lolab.
With a special emphasis on Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao, the gathering was apprised about the importance of healthy upbringing of a girl child in the society. The event concluded with the prize distribution ceremony for the separate category of boys and girls, eight prizes in each category. Amongst boys, Shabir Ahmad Lone won gold medal while Abida won gold medal amongst girls’ category in the Lolab valley Mini Marathon race.
Apart from participants, a huge crowd from nearby villages including elected representatives of people, government officials, college students, teachers and parents come to cheer the runners. The cheers and chants on culmination of the Marathon illustrated the sense of enjoyment and accomplishment amidst the youth and they requested for more such events to be organised for them.
