Srinagar, Nov 28: The first-ever snowshoe event was held in Sonamarg on Sunday.
The event was organised by J&K Snowshoe Association “with an aim to make Sonamarg another winter sports destination of Kashmir”.
The event, as per a statement issued by the association, witnessed participation of local athletes of the Ganderbal district. It said the athletes were first time having a taste of snowshoeing and it was more of an introduction to the sport for them.
Snowshoe sport, which is very popular in Europe and USA, has been getting popular in India as well with its base in Kashmir.
Gulmarg, which is a major winter sports destination of J&K, has been hosting snowshoe events throughout the season. To look for an alternative destination, the J&K SnowShoe Association held an invitational event in Sonamarg. The event was held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Kashmir and District Administration Ganderbal.
Well-known sportsperson of J&K Mir Bilquis, social activist and sports promoter of Ganderbal Farooq Ganderbali, President J&K SnowShoe Association Tariq Ahmad Zargar, General Secretary Dr Altaf ur Rehman and the association’s organising secretary Gulzar Khan were present on the occasion.
Giving details about the event, J&K SnowShoe Association president Tariq Ahmad Zargar said, “It was a first-ever SnowShoe event held in Sonamarg. It aimed to explore other winter sports destinations of Kashmir. Sonamarg is a well-known tourist destination but in winter it remains off-limit for tourists. With events like this, it can also be promoted as a winter destination.”
“Snowshoe is such an activity that doesn’t need infrastructural build-up. Anyone who is associated with normal running can do it, and doesn’t require special training as well,” he said.
Farooq Ganderbali said that the District Administration of Ganderbal is serious about promoting Sonamarg as a winter destination as well.
“District Administration Ganderbal wants to promote Sonamarg for winter as well. These types of events will play a pivotal role in that. I am sure more such events will be held in the coming winter and we will see Sonamarg turning out as a winter sports hub,” he said.
Dr Altaf ur Rehman said the association is looking into conducting snowshoe activities all over J&K. “We know that snowshoe events can be conducted wherever the snow is. Apart from holding events throughout the season in Gulmarg, the association will be conducting events in Sonamarg, Dodapathri, Yousmarg, Pahalgam, and Patnitop as well. In short, the association will try to explore all areas where there is snow,” he said.
“From December 27 to 30, J&K will be hosting the 7th National Snowshoe Championship. For that we have been assured full support by the Tourism Department,” Rehman said, adding that the event will witness the participation of more than 150 athletes from 18 States/Union Territories.
