Around 700 participants from different fields including school going children, sports persons and citizens participated in 7km long “Run for youth” held in Sheher-e-Khaas (Downtown) Srinagar on Sunday.
The run was organised by Sheher-e-Khaas Sports Fraternity with the support of Shaher-e-Khaas Traders and Manufacture’s Union JK Sports Trust, and was sponsored by Decathlon Sports.
The run started from Eidgah and traversed through Sazgaripora, Firdous Cinema , Jamia Crossing, Gojwara , Rojouri Kadal, Kawdara Nawakadal, Sakidafar and culminated back to Eidgah.
International wushu gold medalist Sadia Tariq was chief guest on the occasion, who flagged off the road race at Idgah at 7:30 am morning which eventually culminated at the same point (Idgah).
While expressing her happiness on the occasion International Wushu Athlete and Brand Ambassador of the event Sadia Tariq said the today’s 7km road race is first of kind event in Sheher e Khaas and such events should be organized in future also so that youths can be encouraged.
“This event has encouraged lots of youth. These kinds of events shall be organised in future also so that those who indulge in drug abuse can be prevented from drug related activities,” she said, adding youth should rather prefer sports over drugs for mental and physical fitness.
“Parents should encourage their wards in sports activities as sports is a medium which brings change in individual’s personality,” she said.
A participant Bilal Ahmad Beigh who stood first in the senior category in race said organizing these types of events is very important to keep our youth at bay from drug related activities.
“Kids and youth must take part in such events to improve their fitness level and remain at bay from all social evils,” he said.
Another participant from Narwara Idgah, Mohammad Azhar Masood who stood first in children category said he was tired a lot but did not give up to secure the first position.
“I am happy I secured first position in the race,” he said.
Chairman Sheher-e-Khaas Sports Fraternity Wasim Aslam told Rising Kashmir the objective of the race was to spread awareness about the health benefits of sports and to increase grassroots participation in sport.
“The race was categorized in Professionals, Seniors, Boys and Girls categories and covered a total distance of 7 Km,” he said.
He added that renowned marathon runners, prominent sports personalities, school children from various schools participated in the event and made it a grand success.
Participants from different schools, elderly persons, sports person in huge number competed irrespective of their age in the race.
Reputed sports personalities and members of civil society were attraction of race who attended the event. Ample hydration points and proper medical facilities, even residents arranged refreshments at various places for the runners.
Participants were awarded with Digital Certificates and gifts and mementos were given away to guests on the conclusion of the events.
