The Border Security Force (BSF) in Bandipora district of North Kashmir organized a Wular Half Marathon on Sunday, aimed at promoting health and environmental awareness.
The marathon, which was flagged off from BSF Camp Madar Bandipora at 6: 45 AM, saw enthusiastic participation from students of various age groups and BSF personnel. The route extended from Madar Bandipora to Wular Vintage Bandipora.
Speaking to the media on the sideline of the event participants expressed their gratitude to the BSF for organizing the event. They emphasized the importance of such initiatives in motivating people to prioritize their health. They also expressed hope for more such marathons to be held in the district in the future.
The winner of the 21 km race, hailing from Udhampur, Jammu, expressed his happiness and gratitude, saying, "Today, I am very thankful to the BSF Bandipora and IHRO for organizing the Wular Half Marathon. I am proud to be the winner and would like to encourage the youth to avoid spending too much time on mobile phones. Instead, come forward, participate in sports, and stay away from drugs."
Another participant from Gurdaspur, Punjab, who secured second place in the 21 km race and is currently serving in the Army, said, "I have participated in several marathons, and today I am thrilled with my success."
IHRO Media incharge Kashmir Mohammad Yakub Dunoo said that the main aim of organising this event is to bring wullar on tourism map and attract goverment attention towards development of the wullar lake.
Moubani Sorcar, while speaking to the media, highlighted the significance of the marathon in raising awareness about preserving the ecology, particularly the Wular Lake, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The event was graced by the presence of IGP BSF, renowned actress and painter Moubani Sorcar, MLA Bandipora Nizam uddin Bhat, Chairman IHRO Nim Singh Premi, Altaf Ahmad, Mohammad Yakub Dunoo and other BSF officials. They actively participated in the marathon and commended the BSF's efforts in organizing such events.
IGP BSF Kashmir Ashok Yadav explained that the primary objective of the marathon was to showcase the beauty of Wular Lake and inspire the youth of
Bandipora to embrace sports and showcase their talents.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony honoring the first, second, and third-place winners in different age groups.