Srinagar: MLA Zadibal and National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday inaugurated the SnowShoe Running National Coaching Camp for the World SnowShoe Championship-2027 at Polo Ground, Srinagar.
The camp, organised by the J&K SnowShoe Association under the auspices of the SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI), is being attended by around 30 shortlisted athletes from different parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir.
The coaching camp is part of India’s preparations for the World SnowShoe Championship-2027, to be conducted by the World SnowShoe Federation in Italy.
Interacting with the athletes, Tanvir Sadiq described SnowShoe running as a high-endurance sport that demands greater stamina and strength compared to conventional marathon and cross-country running.
He said winter sports such as SnowShoe running can be promoted without major infrastructure requirements or costly facilities.
“SnowShoe running can be held in any part of J&K where there is snow. It primarily requires high-endurance athletes and a pair of snowshoes,” he said.
Tanvir Sadiq was welcomed on the occasion by J&K SnowShoe Association President Tariq Ghani and Vice President Arif Laigaroo. Among others present were SnowShoe Federation of India Vice President Harish Kumar, J&K SnowShoe Association office bearers Muzamil Mir, Reyaz Wani and Ahsan Ali, besides coach Tahir Mir.
Welcoming Tanvir Sadiq and the participating athletes, Tariq Ghani said the association’s objective was to use SnowShoe running as a platform to promote J&K’s tourism and winter sports.
“As as J&K SnowShoe Association and Chamber of Commerce President I am happy to see guest athletes in the camp and assure them all the support and Cooperation. You are our guests and we will make sure your stay is pleasant,” Tariq Ghani said.
Arif Laigaroo said it was encouraging to see Tanvir Sadiq, who himself is a marathon runner, come forward to motivate the athletes.
“These are the future sports stars of the country. The SnowShoe Federation of India, under the leadership of its President Mir Mudassar, has a clear focus on young athletes, particularly those in the junior categories. Around 80 percent of the athletes attending this camp are from the junior category, which is a positive sign,” Laigaroo said.
“I am hopeful that since preparations have started early, our players will perform well at the World Championship,” he added.
Tanvir Sadiq said SnowShoe running has a strong base in Kashmir, with a number of events being organised in the region.
“It is a great way and medium to promote winter sports and tourism. Since the sport has a strong base in Kashmir, we are getting full support from the national body, which regularly conducts its National Championships here. We should also come forward to support it by acquiring more SnowShoe running equipment,” he said.
He said he would explore the possibility of supporting the sport through Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources.
“I will see how I can help in its development by getting more SnowShoe equipment through CDF funding. Equipment is the basic requirement for promoting and developing this sport as part of both sports and tourism development,” Tanvir said.
“Once the equipment is available, we can organise events and also promote it as a regular winter activity in different parts of Kashmir wherever there is snow. The sport does not require any special infrastructure upgrade, so I will see what I can do in this regard,” he added.
Around 30 athletes, including 22 from outside J&K, are participating in the camp and are expected to form part of the Indian contingent for the World SnowShoe Championship scheduled to be held in Italy.
On Thursday, the athletes are scheduled to undergo long-distance running training as part of the camp programme.
