Leh, Feb 08: The Speed Ice Skating Team from UT Jammu & Kashmir showcased commendable performance at the 4th Khelo India winter Games 2024 held in Leh from February 2nd to 6th.
Hosted by UT Ladakh for the first time, the event featured Olympic Ice Events including Short Track Speed Skating, Long Track Speed Skating, and Ice Hockey. Despite the challenging weather conditions with temperatures ranging from -14 to -20 degrees Celsius and high-altitude effects, more than 200 ice skaters and hockey players participated.
In Short Track Speed Skating, Wafa Tariq finished 4th in the finals, while Sheikh Umer Iqbal secured 5th place. The rest of the team showed resilience despite bowing out in the semifinals. However, some players and officials required medical attention due to the extreme conditions, with a few needing oxygen and hospitalization.
M. Ashraf Dijoo, the team’s Technical Official & Coach, expressed gratitude to the J&K Tourism Department for providing necessary equipment. However, he highlighted the disappointment with the J&K Sports Council for not sanctioning an ice camp despite repeated requests, which was crucial for the players’ preparation.
The Government of India’s emphasis on winter Olympic Games aims to nurture talented athletes for national sports excellence.
