Srinagar: In a significant boost to Kashmir’s sports tourism and Indo-Italian cultural engagement, J&K SnowShoe Association President Tariq Ghani and Senior Vice President Naseem Chaya have been formally invited to the prestigious 52nd Ciaspolada–2026 International SnowShoe Race scheduled to be held in Trentino, Italy.
The invitation has been extended by the event hosts in Italy through the SnowShoe Federation of India, marking a proud moment for the winter-sports community of Jammu & Kashmir.
As part of a 19-member Team India, Ghani and Chaya will join top athletes and officials from across the globe. Jammu & Kashmir will also be represented by athletes Gulzar Khan and Muzamil Hussain, who will compete alongside international snowshoe runners.
Recognized as the world’s oldest and largest snowshoe race, Ciaspolada has long been a flagship event on the World SnowShoe Federation calendar, drawing elite participants from multiple countries and serving as an important platform for global sports exchange.
Felicitation Ceremony Held in Srinagar
To honour the invited dignitaries, the J&K SnowShoe Association organized a felicitation ceremony at Hotel Radisson Collection, Srinagar, on Friday. The gathering celebrated the opportunity for J&K representatives to showcase India’s sporting spirit, winter tourism potential, and Kashmiri culture on an international stage.
The ceremony was attended by, Tariq Ghani, President, Naseem Chaya, Senior Vice President, Arif Laigaroo, Vice President, Dr. Altaf-ur-Rehman, General Secretary, Muzamil Hussain, Treasurer, Members Riyaz Wani, Abid Hussain, Zahoor Ahmad, and Gulzar Khan.
During the event, Ghani and Chaya also felicitated Muzamil Hussain for his commendable performance in the Kashmir Marathon and Zahoor Ahmad for being recognized as one of J&K’s leading fitness trainers.
Arif Laigaroo, Vice President, J&K SnowShoe Association
“This invitation reflects the growing recognition of winter sports talent emerging from Jammu & Kashmir. Ghani Sahib and Chaya Sahib’s presence in Italy will not only promote snowshoeing but also highlight Kashmir as a global winter-sports destination.”
Dr. Altaf-ur-Rehman, General Secretary
“Ciaspolada offers a tremendous opportunity for exchange of sporting values and international exposure. Our leadership being invited is a testament to the hard work being done on the ground in developing snowshoeing across J&K.”
Tariq Ghani on the occasion sai, “It is an honour to represent India at the world’s most iconic snowshoe event. We are committed to strengthening the presence of Kashmir in international winter sports and further promoting our region’s tourism potential.”
Senior Vice President Naseem Chaya, said,
“This invitation is a moment of pride for us and for Jammu & Kashmir. We hope our participation will open new avenues for collaboration with Italy and inspire more youth from the Valley to explore winter sports.”
Tariq Ghani, Naseem Chaya Invited to Represent India at International Snowshoe Race in Italy
