Srinagar, March 8: Premier Wintersport resort of J&K, Gulmarg is all set to host 6th National SnowShoe Championship from March 18 to 21.
The event organised by J&K SnowShoe Association in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Kashmir and under the auspices of SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) would witness participation of more than 100 athletes representing 15 State, Union Territories of Country. The event is going to be biggest SnowShoe event of the season in Country after the cancellation of Khelo India National Winter Games.
The event is going to feature some of the well known athletes of Country including athletes from Army’s HAWS division. The competitions are going to be held in Senior and junior categories in both male and female sections.
Speaking about the event President SSFI Mir Muddasir said that sport of SnowShoe is getting popular all over India and the Nationals are going to witness participation from almost every part of Country.
“SnowShoe is running event done using SnowShoe. It is an easy activity unlike Skiing that need specialised training. The only thing required for SnowShoe is stamina and endurance of competing in long distance running,” Mir Muddasir said.
“We are getting full support from Tourism Department of Kashmir for the event who know that this activity has got immense potential. Without their support the event can’t held in a way that we want it to be held. We will also be approaching HAWS for the organisational support at the venue during competition days,” he said.
Muddasir said that Nationals would act as the base for selecting Indian athletes for the World SnowShoe Championship and other International competitions.
“Though we have already finalised India team for World SnowShoe Championship 2022 Argentina, but we will still keep eye on athletes that would be competing during the Nationals. Also for other International events , athletes would also be shortlisted ,” Mir said.
Mir said that recently SnowShoe event was also held in Auli Uttarakhandh and in coming time they would be exploring new venues in Kashmir for the SnowShoeing in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Kashmir.
“We are coordinating with Kashmir Tourism and would like to have events in Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yousmarg, Dodapathri and other destinations. It is only activity in wintersports that doesn’t need infrastructure upgrade,” he added.
Meanwhile J&K SnowShoe Association held its meeting on Sunday in Srinagar to review the arrangments for the upcoming National championship.