ADG J&K Police Nitish Kumar flags off the ‘Run for Unity’ Kashmir Marathon 2026 in Srinagar as runners gather to promote fitness, unity and positive youth engagement. (Images: X)
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police organised the ‘Run for Unity’ Kashmir Marathon 2026 in Srinagar on Thursday, bringing together people from diverse sections of society in a sporting celebration centred on fitness, unity and social participation.
Schoolchildren, women, girls, differently-abled participants, professional runners and sports enthusiasts took part in the event, while participants from outside Jammu and Kashmir also joined the marathon.
ADG J&K Police Nitish Kumar (IPS) flagged off the marathon in Srinagar. The event witnessed participation from people across different age groups and backgrounds, reflecting the growing interest in sporting activities in the region. Kumar said the response was particularly encouraging as the marathon was organised on a working day. He noted that the turnout surpassed expectations, with participants arriving from different walks of life.
Addressing the gathering, the ADG highlighted the role of sports in keeping children and young people engaged in healthy and constructive activities. He said sporting events can provide young people with positive avenues while helping them stay away from substance abuse.
“Sports act as a powerful tool to steer our children and youth away from substance abuse,” Kumar said, underlining the importance of greater youth participation in sports.
The marathon saw notable participation from schoolchildren, women, girls and differently-abled participants. Their presence added a strong social-inclusion dimension to the event. The participation of young people was also highlighted as an indication of their increasing interest in fitness and organised sporting activities.
Participants from outside Jammu and Kashmir also joined the Kashmir Marathon, adding to the event’s wider appeal. The participation from different parts of the country reinforced the marathon’s broader message of unity and togetherness while showcasing sport as a platform for bringing communities together.
The Run for Unity Kashmir Marathon 2026 was organised with a focus on promoting physical fitness, social harmony and positive engagement among young people.
The J&K Police said the event sought to use sport as a means of encouraging healthier lifestyles, strengthening community participation and creating greater awareness about the importance of keeping youth away from substance abuse.
