Srinagar: It was historic moment as the DC Ganderbal inaugurated the first ever Wintersports National event in Sonamarg with 8th National SnowShoe Championship 2024.
Sonamarg marked a historic moment on Sunday the first ever National wintersports event in any discipline started at the meadow. After the J&K Adminstration decided to keep Sonamarg open for Winter this season, it also decided to hold multiple sporting events.
In that direction, Directorate of Tourism Kashmir joined hands with J&K SnowShoe Association and Sonamarg Hoteilers Association to host 8th National SnowShoe Championship 2024 at the meadow.
The champipnship started on Sunday with DC Ganderbal flagging off opening race and interacting with participants.
Around 150 athletes from 13 states of different parts of the Country are participating in the event and the event would conclude on Monday.
Terming it a historic moment that has set new precedence for the bigger and brighter future DC Ganderbal, said, ” It is history made today as we are hosting first ever National Wintersports event in Sonamarg. The place that used to be closed during winters is now having full hustle bustle with the event like 8th National SnowShoe Championship 2024″.
“It is joint effort of everyone. From Adminstration, Hoteliers, athletes as well as SnowShoe Federation of India that granted the hosting rights to Sonamarg,” he said.
DC Ganderbal said he is delighted to see athletes from even South India actively particiating in wintersports event like this.
“Gone are the days when wintersports used to be confined to few North India States. SnowShoe like sports discipline has made wintersports as True Pan India sports in which any athlete from anywhere can participate,” he said.
Amoung others present on the occasion were CEO Sonamarg Developement Authority, Representatives of Sonamarg Hoteliers Association, President J&K SnowShoe Association Tariq Zargar, General Secretary Dr Altaf ur Rehman.
“For the wintersports it is great news as they now have one more venue in Kashmir in shape of Sonamarg that can host big National level events. Traditionaly it is Gulmarg that has been hosting wintersports events over the Years and it is first time any major wintersports is being held away from Gulmarg,” said SnowShoe Federation President Mir Mudassir.
“SnowShoe is the sports discipline that can be held anywhere and in any part of India that recieves Snowfall. It doesnt need infrastructure upgrade but minor facilities that can make it possible. Also no specialise training is required, one needs to be just an avid athlete to try out SnowShoe,” Mir Mudassir said.
On the opening Day multiple events were held. In senior men long distance event Gulbadin Hekmatyar of J&K bagged gold medal while as athletes from Ladakh bagged silver and bronze medals.
In Junior boys long distance, Ghulam Haider of Ladakh bagged gold medal while as Zaid Bin Mushtaq and Sulieman of J&K bagged silver and bronze medals respectively.
In senior women long distance, Sarojni of Uttarkhandh bagged gold, Zareena of Ladakh bagged Silver and Lata of Karnataka bagged bronze medal.
In Junior girls 400 metre sprint, Abinaya of Pondicherry bagged gold while as Tamana of J&K bagged silver and Fareeda Batool of Ladakh bagged bronze medals. In sprint men 800 metre , Gulbadin Hekmatyar of J&K bagged gold while as Ghulam Ali bagged silver and Aadil Pundit of J&K bagged bronze medal.
In senior women 400 metre sprint, Zareena Bano of Ladakh, Nusrat Sakeena of Ladakh and Bavithra of Pondicherry bagged gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.
In junior boys sprint 400 metre, Umar Mohiuddin of J&K bagged gold while as Hashim of J&K bagged silver and Javed Ahmed of Ladakh bagged bronze.
History Made: Sonamarg hosts its first ever Wintersports National event, SnowShoe championship begins
