Gulmarg, Mar 01:The Ice-skating Association of UT Jammu and Kashmir’s team has left an indelible mark on the inaugural Chinar Open Winter Games 2024, held at Gulmarg under the auspices of 18RR and Dagger Division of Baramulla.
The event witnessed a monumental turnout of over 700 athletes, including coaches and officials, competing in various Olympic Winter Games disciplines like Snow Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating (Speed and Figure Skating), and cross-country races.
Supported by the Indian Army, which provided essential facilities including boarding, lodging, and transport for the entire contingent, the Games served as a platform for budding talents to flourish. Notably, cash awards totaling Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000, and Rs 3,000 were up for grabs for gold, silver, and bronze medal winners across events.
Under the guidance of M. Ashraf Dijoo, the General Secretary/National Coach of the Ice-skating Association of UT J&K, the J&K Ice team showcased exceptional prowess, particularly in Speed Skating. A group of 35 boys and girls, including 17 skaters trained at the Sonamarg Ice Rink Camp, exhibited exemplary skills honed under Mr. Dijoo’s tutelage.
In a stunning triumph, the J&K Ice team clinched six medals in the Speed Skating events, rewriting records and affirming their dominance in the arena. In the boys’ category, Sheikh Umer Iqbal, Saleem Ashraf, and Raquib Ali Dar secured the top three positions in the 1500m race, adding to the glory with cash awards.
The girls’ contingent proved equally formidable as Wafa Tariq, Shifa Tariq, and Nehal Muzaffer seized gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively in the 1000m race, earning substantial cash prizes.
Furthermore, the prowess of J&K’s figure skaters was recognized and celebrated as Wafa Tariq, Shifa Tariq, Nahal Zahra, and Nehal Muzaffer were felicitated in the Figure Skating events by the esteemed Core Commander at Kongdoori, alongside Coach Dijoo and Team Manager Sajjad Hyder.
The stellar performance of the J&K Ice-skating team not only underscores their exceptional talent but also symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the region’s youth, triumphing against all odds on the icy stage of Gulmarg.
