Crediting Jammu and Kashmir Police for bringing peace in the state by giving supreme sacrifices of its brave personnel, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga has said that the force has a pivotal role to play in maintaining lasting peace in the State. He said role of sports in physical and mental development of the youth is of great importance. It creates discipline and comradeship among the sports lovers which in large helps a Nation to prosper in all spheres of life.
Addressing the prize distribution ceremony on the culmination of State Level Marathon “Run for Fun” at Gulshan Ground here today. Ganga advised the youth to take part in the sports activities for maintaining their physical and mental fitness. He said inspiring youth towards the sports, healthy society can build healthy Nation. He appreciated the efforts of police organization for organizing such activities in the State, benefitting the youth to channelize their energies in the field of sports.
During the Marathon, thousands of men, women and children from 5 to 75 years of age participated in the Marathon, organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police under its Civic Action Programme. The largely participated Marathon was the 6th edition in the State. The Marathon culminated back at the venue after passing through various routes in the city. People profusely cheering them while passing through the routes.
Earlier, the Marathon was flagged off by Director General of Police (DGP), Dr. SP Vaid in the wee hours from Gulshan Ground, different categories of the Run started at 6.30 am. People from different parts of the city and other parts of the State had thronged the venue to participate in the Marathon. Students from different educational institutions, sports bodies, police personnel, para-military personnel, small children, members of chambers of commerce, Jammu Club, Jammu Bar Association, Press Club, senior citizens and retired police officers joined the Marathon. 
On the culmination of Run, winners from all categories were awarded cash prizes and certificates by the Minister, who was the Chief Guest at the prize distribution function. Prize winners of the Marathon, who got first positions in different categories, including 42 kms. Full Marathon (civilian men), Sabder Dulla of Kathua, 42 kms. (Army/Police Personnel), Bharat Bhusan of BSF, 21 kms. Half Marathon (civilian) Des Raj of Ramban, 21 kms. Men Half Marathon (Army/Police Personnel), Shahid Ali, 21 kms. (Women Half Marathon), Heena Choudharty of Jammu, 8 kms. (boys under 14), Ifshan Ahmed of Narbal Budgam and in 6 kms. (girls under 14), Rubina Bibi of Jammu. They hailed the efforts of JKP for organizing such activities and hoped that the Organization would hold such events in future.
On the occasion, addressing the function, Dr. Vaid said that the JKP has organised various sports events in the winter capital under its Civic Action Programme and the people, particularly the youth have shown great interest in these events. The aim behind organizing sports events is to cultivate sports talent and strengthen bonds with the people. He reiterated that the police organisation 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 children for their participation in the Marathon and said that huge participation of the people has encouraged police organisation to conduct such events.
Appreciating the efforts of ADGP, Armed, Mr. L. Mohanti and his team of officers for organising 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 concluded successfully. He also appreciated the arrangements on the routes of Marathon by other organizations.
