Srinagar, Oct 29 — Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat said on Thursday that the sacrifices of its martyrs continue to inspire the force to promote peace and engage youth in positive activities like sports.
The DGP was addressing the closing ceremony of the ‘Pedal through Paradise’ cycle race organised by J&K Police. Over 3,000 cyclists participated in the Cycle Race. Around 5,000 entries were received in different categories, including children and people over 45 years of age.
The event was organised under the Fit India initiative to encourage fitness and promote a healthy lifestyle among the people. Paying tribute to police martyrs during his address, the DGP announced Martyrs Memorial football and hockey tournaments in their honour.
“Sporting activities help promote discipline, fitness and a healthy lifestyle among young people. Cycling is not merely a symbol of fitness, but also helps instil discipline. Participation in sports could help address mobile phone addiction and excessive screen time,” the DGP said.
He added that the youth were an asset and the future of the nation, and their aspirations and participation in productive activities would contribute to the country’s progress.
The DGP said J&K Police remained committed to working with the younger generation and helping society tackle social evils, including drug abuse and gambling. He said the police, in coordination with the administration, were organising sporting activities at the district level to encourage greater participation among youth.
Referring to recent events, he said participation in the Kashmir Marathon and ‘Jashn-e-Dal’ had been encouraging.
DGP Prabhat said several sporting events were scheduled in the coming days, including the Martyrs Memorial football and hockey tournaments, to honour the sacrifices of police martyrs and encourage young people to participate in sports.
'Pedal through Paradise' cycle race started from the Police Golf Course (Lalit Ghat) on Boulevard Road in Srinagar, covering routes towards Harwan and Foreshore up to Nagbal.
The event included categories for children, women, open participants, and individuals above 45 years of age. Traffic restrictions had been imposed along the route of the cycle race, and commuters were advised to take diversions to avoid inconvenience.