Nine-year-old Maham Khan from Qamarwari, Srinagar, has captured hearts across the Valley by completing a gruelling 21-kilometre half marathon , a feat many adults find daunting. Her extraordinary run has made her a symbol of courage, endurance, and hope for Kashmir’s younger generation.
On a crisp Sunday morning, Maham stood among hundreds of runners at the starting line at Polo View, Srinagar. Dressed in simple sports gear, she appeared calm yet determined. As the whistle blew, she began her run with quiet focus, unaware that her effort would soon inspire an entire region.
The marathon route , stretching from the city centre to the scenic Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), was lined with cheering crowds. As participants began to tire midway, Maham’s steady pace drew applause and admiration. Her determination caught the attention of senior officers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who were supervising the event.
DIG CRPF North Srinagar, Sudhir Kumar, who watched her closely, said, “We kept a quiet watch and encouraged her along the way. Along with a lady Commandant, we ran beside her to help her fulfil her dream. She is truly great, a little girl with the heart of a champion.”
By the time Maham reached the final stretch, exhaustion was visible, but her resolve remained firm. Crossing the finish line, she was greeted with a wave of applause from fellow runners, officers, and spectators. Many couldn’t believe that a nine-year-old had just completed a half marathon.
Her father, Sajad Ahmad Khan, waiting anxiously near the finish line, was overwhelmed with emotion. “I feel like crying, khushi ke ansoo. My daughter has made me proud,” he told Rising Kashmir. “Guests and relatives are flooding our house; it feels like a festival. She completed a 21-km marathon at just nine. Seeing her shine this way fills me with immense joy.”
For Maham, the experience was both tiring and exhilarating. With a bright smile and her medal around her neck, she said, “It was my first marathon, and I am so happy to achieve this feat.”
News of her accomplishment quickly spread, and Maham’s home in Qamarwari turned into a scene of celebration, with neighbours and relatives arriving with sweets, garlands, and congratulations. “It feels like Eid at our home,” her father beamed.
News of her accomplishment quickly spread, and Maham’s home in Qamarwari turned into a scene of celebration, with neighbours and relatives arriving with sweets, garlands, and congratulations. “It feels like Eid at our home,” her father beamed.
Marathon organisers and fitness enthusiasts across Srinagar hailed Maham’s run as a remarkable display of determination and grit. A senior CRPF officer said, “In a time when we are seeing a peaceful and confident Srinagar, her story symbolizes the spirit of change. This young girl’s achievement proves that passion and perseverance know no age.”
For now, Maham is simply enjoying the attention and joy her run has brought. When asked about her next goal, she smiled and said, “I just want to keep running” .
