Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 29: At around 8530 feet above sea level, the top athletes from all over Kashmir competed against each other to secure the Senior SnowShoe championship title that was held at Kongdori, Gulmarg on Sunday.
The championship which can be last of this winter season was held for the top long distance athletes of the Valley that belonged to Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla districts. As the snow had melted in Gulmarg bowl competition was held at Kongdori (first phase of Gondola Cable Car) at 8530 feet above sea level. Kongdori being venue of the race made it extra difficult for the athletes with high altitude making breathing a bit difficult.
The championship was organized by SnowShoe Federation of India in collaboration with Amblin, J&K Tourism and was sponsored by J&K Bank and J&K Cable Car Corporation.
The event was flagged off by known sports promoter Arif Laigaroo along with Ranji Trophy cricketer Ahmad Banday, International Cyclist Akber Khan and International SnowShoe athlete Gulzar Khan.
Ifshan Ahmad of Budgam finished first while as Mumzamil Mir of Islamia College Srinagar got second place and Auquib Ahmad of Budgam finished third. The fourth place was shared by Umer Farooq of Srinagar and Umer Hameed of Budgam. Abrar of Baramulla claimed 5th position.
Later prize distribution ceremony was held at Gulmarg in which Managing Director J&K cable Car Corporation, Shamim Ahmad Wani was chief guest while as Arif Laigaroo, Assistant Director Tourism Gulmarg Nasir Mehmood Khan, J&K cable Car Corporation official Fayaz Ahmad and President SnowShoe Federation of India Mir Mudassar were other guests present.
After giving away prizes, Shamim Ahmad Wani assured athletes that J&K Cable Car Corporation will promote SnowShoe sport and activity across its different platforms. He said that his department is always ready to help promote tourism related sports activity.
Arif Laigaroo on the occasion said that SnowShoe activity and sports is getting popular in the J&K and time is not far when it will be as popular in J&K as it is in European Countries and USA.
President SSFI, Mir Mudassar also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the organisers.
He said that SSFI will try to hold SnowShoe competition for senior again after Ramadhan on Thajwas glacier in Sonamarg.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
