Historic debut for J&K Ice Skating team as they gear up for Khelo India Winter Games in Leh

Leh, Jan 30: In a ground-breaking moment for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an Ice-Skating team consisting of eight talented athletes and two officials is set to make its inaugural appearance at the Khelo India Winter Games 2024. Led by the seasoned M. Ashraf Dijoo, Sr. National Coach and General Secretary of the Ice-Skating Association of UT J&K, the team is poised to compete in the Speed Skating event, marking a historic milestone for the region.
The team, comprised of athletes Wafa Tariq, Shifa Tariq, Nashra Reyaz, Raquib, Ali Dar, Sheikh Umer Iqbal, Saleem Ashraf Malik, and Dabeer Wani, will be under the guidance of Autar Singh, the Team Manager. Departing for Leh on January 31, 2024, the contingent is expected to return on February 7, 2024, after battling the extreme conditions at the event.
This year’s Khelo India Ice Events are set to take place in Leh from February 2 to February 6, 2024, making it the first time the Winter Games are conducted at the Union Territory of Leh Ladakh. Athletes from across the country will face the unique challenge of competing in a natural ice rink frozen on the Sind River, grappling with the harsh high-altitude environment and sub-zero temperatures. The J&K Ice Contingent aims to leave an indelible mark on this unprecedented edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.