Srinagar, Jan 07: Three talented athletes from Kashmir, Tufail Ramzan, Yaseen Wali, and Yasir Wani, marked their presence at the esteemed Dubai Marathon held in Umm Suqeim on Sunday. Amidst the participation of renowned marathon runners predominantly from Kenya and Ethiopia, these athletes showcased their prowess in the senior category of the 23rd edition of the race organized by the Dubai Sports Council.
Of the trio, Tufail Ramzan, a former national-level professional athlete from Kashmir, made his maiden international appearance in Dubai. Despite missing out on a podium finish, Ramzan’s performance was commendable as he ran alongside some of the world’s finest athletes. The race, spanning a distance of 42 kilometers, saw Ramzan successfully complete the marathon with determination and ease.
Reflecting on his experience, Ramzan expressed his joy at competing against the world’s elite athletes and acknowledged the substantial gap in skill levels. He remarked, “It was a dream come true to participate in the Dubai Marathon and compete against the world’s best. Their level of skill far surpasses athletes from India. While bridging this gap will take time, I believe with dedication and unwavering focus on our goals, nothing is insurmountable.”
The participation of these athletes from Kashmir marks a significant milestone, emphasizing their aspirations to elevate their skillsets and compete at the global stage in the field of athletics.
