JK MONITOR - Omar Abdullah flags off Kashmir Marathon as 2,000 runners race for a ₹3.17 crore prize purse

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October 2026

Details: Written by: JK Monitor News Network; Category: Headlines; Published: 25 October 2026

Third edition puts Srinagar on the global running map, with ₹25 lakh for the open-category winner

SRINAGAR: More than 2,000 runners set off across Srinagar on Sunday as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the third Kashmir Marathon from Polo Ground, marking the event’s growing reach among athletes from Jammu and Kashmir, across India and abroad. The marathon carries a total prize purse of ₹3.17 crore, with the open-category winner set to receive ₹25 lakh.

Abdullah flagged off the 42.195-kilometre full marathon at 6:30 am, followed by the 21-kilometre half marathon at 7:45 am. The routes take runners past some of the city’s best-known landmarks, including Lal Chowk, Polo View, Zero Bridge, Gupkar Road, the Boulevard, the Jhelum riverfront, Dal Lake, SKICC, Foreshore Road, Kashmir University and the Mughal Gardens.

The event recorded 1,807 online registrations: 1,221 from Jammu and Kashmir, 513 from other states and 73 international runners representing 12 countries. Spot registrations took total participation beyond 2,000. The Chief Minister said the Kashmir Marathon is emerging as a flagship sporting event for Jammu and Kashmir, helping strengthen the region’s profile as a global sports tourism destination while encouraging fitness and healthy living.

A separate prize category for runners from Jammu and Kashmir has been introduced to encourage local athletes and expand their opportunities to compete at a larger level. The event brings competitive long-distance running together with Srinagar’s historic streets, waterfronts and gardens. Abdullah inaugurated the three-day Marathon Expo at Polo View on October 22.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Secretary Tourism Avny Lavasa, Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad, and other senior officers and officials attended the flag-off.

October 2026

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

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We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan. IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

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