Srinagar, Nov 2: After hosting Tour-de-Kashmir cycle race, J&K Sports Development Association (JKSDA) shifting its focus towards development of athletics in the State has decided to organise first 42-kilometre Srinagar Marathon on November 10.
 It is for the first time that a full marathon would be held in Srinagar and in it only top 15 athletes of the State would be allowed to participate.
 “Athletics and Cycling are the two major sports disciplines that have been forgotten by their respective sports Associations. These are two disciplines that have got tremendous talent in our State still the Government funded associations are doing nothing for them,” said JKSDA organising Secretary Reyaz Wani.
 “It is an irony that never a full 42-kilometre marathon has been held in Srinagar. We are taking initiative by organising first 42-kilomtre Srinagar marathon on November 10,” said JKSDA President and International footballer Mehrajuddin Wadoo.
 “Sports event act like brand ambassadors of the place where they are being held, like Tour-de-France, Mumbai Marathon, New York Marathon. If organised properly Srinagar marathon has the potential to become face of Srinagar city,” he said.
 About the route Wadoo said, “We have chosen well balanced route for the event covering, old city, civil line area of Lal Chowk and also the Dal Lake. The event will be flagged near Jamia Masjid Nowhatta will pass through Gojwara. Rajouri Kadal, Bohrikadal, Police Station Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, Sheeraz Chowk, Babadem, Polo Ground, MA Road, Fly Over, back to MA Road, Dalgate, Nehru Park, Oberio Crossing, Nishat, Foreshore Road and will culminate at near Kashmir Harvard School Malabagh”.
 “In the event 15 top athletes of the State would be led by Tanveer Hussain who currently top ranked athlete of State. He recently covered hundred kilometre protest run and also won Jammu Marathon last year,” Wadoo added.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 2 Nov 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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