Chamoli : Under the joint aegis of Uttarakhand Ski Mountaineering Association and Sky Running Association, the national level two-day marathon competition has started in Joshimath from Saturday. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the marathon competition from Joshimath Narsingh and Nava Durga temple premises.
Extending hearty congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state on the commencement of other adventure and exciting sports including marathon in Joshimath Auli, the Chief Minister said that today it is a matter of pride for us to start the Himalayan Marathon, Fun Race and other sports from Joshimath Auli. We are constantly trying to implement such works in Uttarakhand, which will give more boost to tourism here. He congratulated and congratulated all the organizers for this grand event in Joshimath and also all the players of the country and abroad participating in it.
The Chief Minister said that the atmosphere of fear that was being created regarding Joshimath in the initial days of the disaster is normal today. The government has done positive things to emerge from this situation. As a result of this, more than 11.30 lakh registrations have been done for our Chardham Yatra starting from 22nd April. He said that this time more number of devotees than in previous years will reach Uttarakhand for darshan and all the records of previous years will be left behind.
Through the marathon organized in Joshimath, the Chief Minister assured the tourists from the country and abroad that Auli and Joshimath are completely safe and ready for the Char Dham Yatra. This grand marathon organized in Joshimath is proof of this. He said that this year winter games could not be held in Auli due to lack of snow, but after the grand event of marathon in Joshimath today all things will be good. The holy journey of the Char Dham is about to begin. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is all set to welcome all the pilgrims and tourists.
Ski Mountaineering Association President Ajay Bhatt said that sky running and sky ultra race are being organized under Auli Marathon. In which more than 300 athletes from different states of the country including Uttar Pradesh Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand are participating. People from schools and gram sabhas of Joshimath area are also taking part in it. He said that this time due to the Joshimath disaster and less snowfall in Auli, the tourism business has been affected due to non-possibility of organizing Winter Games. Auli Marathon is being organized to spread the message of a safe Joshimath and to boost the tourism business.
BJP State President Mahendra Prasad Bhatt, Karnaprayag MLA Anil Nautiyal, Tharali MLA Bhupal Ram Tamta, BKTC President Ajendra Ajay, BJP District President Ramesh Maikhuri, Joshimath Nagar Panchayat President Shailendra Panwar, Block Chief Harish Panwar, Gopeshwar Nagar on the occasion of Auli Marathon Municipal President Pushpa Paswan, Karnprayag Municipality President Damayanti Raturi, local public representative Vinod Kaparwan, Rishi Prasad Sati, Nitesh Chauhan, Madhav Prasad Semwal, Ripudaman Singh Rawat, Atul Shah, Rohani Rawat, Jagdamba Prasad Uniyal etc. along with District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana, Superintendent of Police Pramendra Dobal, CDO Dr. Lalit Narayan Mishra and other officers and a large number of regional people were present.
