Kargil, Sep 17: The 6th Kargil International Marathon-2023, a two-day event kick started at Khree Sultan Cho Sports Stadium Biamathang, Kargil and saw an enthusiastic turnout of runners.

The marathon was inaugurated with the flag-off ceremony by chief guests including Ravinder Kumar Dangi, Secretary Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, Sachin Malik (YSM), General Officer Commanding 8 Mountain Division Kargil, and guests of honor Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shirkant Suse, and SSP Kargil, Anayat Ali Choudhary and Joint Director Youth Services and Sports UT Ladakh, Moses Kunzang.

Parshuram Parashar, Brigade Commander 121 Headquarter Kargil, Shriram Pawar, Senior Editor Media Group,  Dr Shailesh Pagariya, President Arham Foundation and Chief Coordinator  Sarhad Kargil International Marathon, Vasant Gokhale, Race Director  Sarhad Kargil International Marathon, Sumant Waikar, Technical Director Sarhad Kargil International Marathon, Anuj Nahar, Trustee Sarhad, Suyog Gundecha, Coordinator Sarhad Kargil International Marathon, Kargil Gaurav Awardees, officials of Indian Army, Ladakh Police, Departments like DYSSO, DIPR Kargil, Health, PHE, Horticulture, Education, Cooperatives, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, RD&PRD, Fisheries, Tourism, MC Kargil, AKTTA, Handloom, NYK, officials of SAI, district officers, and officials from other concerned departments, Ladakh Olympic Association, Kargil Olympic Association, Humas Uplifment Drass, athletes, runners, sports persons and general public were present at the event. 

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The theme for this year’s marathon is “Run for Hundurman.” This theme underscores promotion of border tourism and the dedication to showcasing the enchanting village of Hundurman in Kargil as a destination worth exploring for both domestic and international tourists.

During his address at the event, Secretary Youth Services and Sports Ladakh, Ravinder Kumar Dangi, extended his congratulations to the District Administration, Ladakh police and Sarhad Pune along with all stakeholders including 8 mountain Division for the successful execution of the 6th edition of the Kargil International Marathon. He also commended the participants for their active involvement in the event.

Emphasizing the significance of this event in elevating Kargil’s global profile, he articulated that international events like these contribute significantly to positioning Kargil as a prominent global tourist destination. Such initiatives benefit the local community by attracting attention and visitors from around the world.

Additionally, he praised the athletic prowess and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes from Kargil. He emphasized that the players of Kargil possess immense potential to represent Kargil and Ladakh at various national and international sporting platforms.

The marathon featured four distinct categories: Full Marathon (42 kilometers), Half Marathon (21 kilometers), Half Marathon (10 kilometers), and Half Marathon (5 kilometers).Simultaneously, the Khree Sultan Cho Sports Stadium in Biamathang served as the starting and finishing point for all races.

Participants were commended for their outstanding performances in the marathon and were honored with medals and certificates as tokens of recognition.In covering 5 km in men’s category, Nasurulla Elye, Zeeshan Ali, and Hashim Reyaz bagged first, second and third positions respectively. Similarly, under the female category, Tabassum Fatima, Zanab Bnoo, Parveen Banoo, bagged first, second and third positions respectively.

In covering 10 km race under male category, Sonam Stanzin, Nawaz Ali and Rahul Surya Wanshi bagged first, second and third positions respectively.Similarly, the female position holders in the same category (10 km) are Skarma Idong Lanzes, Asiya Banoo and Shanaz Parveen and bagged first second and third position respectively.

In covering half marathon race (21 kilometres), in male category, Ritik Sharma, Kulbir Singh, and Tsewang Nangdan bagged the first second and third positions respectively. While the female position holders in the same are Tashi ladol, Stanzin Chondol and Stanzin  Dolkar.

In male group covering up to 42 km of race, the position holders are Nawang Tsering, Ravi Dass and Jigment Namgyal bagged the first second and third positions. In female group, the position holders are Agnes Mueni Mutua, Diskit Dolma and Jyoti Gawate bagged the first second and third positions respectively.

Significantly, various departments diligently coordinated to ensure all necessary arrangements were in place at the Biamathang stadium and other essential locations, contributing to the overall success of the event.

The central organizing committee consisting total of 16 members from District Administration, Ladakh Police and Sarhad Pune under supervision of ADC, Kargil was constituted for the 6th Kargil International Marathon 2023 which has been recognized by Athletics Federation India, New Delhi and AIM, World Athletics, New York. The Marathon was supported by Arham Foundation, Pune, co-sponsored by Suhana, 8 Mountain Division and AKTTA.