Srinagar, Jan 11: With the message that winter sports is possible in Srinagar as well, the J&K Snow Shoe Association is going to conduct season opener Snow Shoe race at Mamneth Meodow, Dara Srinagar today (Sunday).
The event is open for all the athletes as it is season race and to attract fitness enthusiasts towards Snow Shoeing. In the event competition of various categories would be held with organisers expecting decent number of athletes to turn out for the event.
As per J&K Snow Shoe Association officials, Mamneth Meodow falls in Srinagar district and takes around one hour of hike from Dara, Harwan.
The officials said that idea is to send a message that winter sports is possible in Srinagar as well as we have places even in Srinagar city that can be explored for winter sports.
“It is season opener race before we go full throttle for the season. We expect a decent number of athletes to turn up for the event as it is first event of winter season,” said Khan Gulzar, competition manager of J&K Snow Shoe Association.
“We chose this venue with the aim to send a message that winter sport is possible even in Srinagar. We would like Tourism Department Kashmir to explore the area for such purposes. While Skiing and other winter sport need infrastructure development, Snow Shoe require nothing,” he said.
J&K Snow Shoe Association General Secretary Dr Altaf ur Rehman said that Association along with Snow Shoe Federation of India is planning multiple events this season in Kashmir.
“Snow Shoe sport is based and dominated by J&K. Over the years J&K athletes have shined at National and International level in this sports discipline that is mostly popular in Europe and USA. It is tough long distance Endurance running sport and that is why Kashmir athletes shine in it,” Dr Altaf ur Rehman said.
“Snow Shoe despite winning medals for J&K isn’t part of Kheli India Winter Games this time which is very sad thing for J&K athletes. However, to fill the gap Federation has granted National hosting rights to J&K and Kashmir will be hosting 9th National Snow Shoe Championship in February. Apart from that multiple races will be held throughout winter season,” he said.
Dr Altaf ur Rehman said that last season 8th National Snow Shoe Championship was held in Sonamarg, which was first ever winter sport national event held in Sonamarg.
“Snow Shoe is a winter sport discipline that can be held anywhere and doesn’t need infrastructure upgrade. Last season in collaboration with Sonamarg Development Authority, Hoteliers Association Sonamarg, the National Snow Shoe Championship 2024 was held which was huge success and attracted both national and international media coverage. We are hopeful that this time again Tourism authorities will support us and we will host another mega event,” he added.
