Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 20: The first outside J&K boys batch being sponsored by the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir was today flagged off from TRC Srinagar towards Gulmarg for the 7-day introductory Ski Course there.
The 20 member group of boys drawn from various States & UTs including Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal, New Delhi and Ladakh was flagged off from TRC, Srinagar by Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Nisar Ahmad Wani. Joint Director, Tourism, Tabassum Kamili and Deputy Director, Tourism Publicity / Recreation, Ideel Saleem were also present.
This is the 4th batch this season and the first outside J&K boys group that will undergo the 7- day Introductory Ski Course at Gulmarg. The group during the course will be introduced to the basics of Skiing. All the lodging & boarding and the Ski equipment is being provided free of cost by the Tourism Department. A four member Ski Instructors team is imparting Skiing training to these beginners.
The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir has drawn a weekly calender for imparting skiing training to as many as 6 groups this season. Among these 6 groups, two are meant for outside J&K boys and girls group.
The first three batches including two boys groups and one girls group from J&K completed their Introductory Ski Course on 31 Dec, 2020, 13 Jan and 20th Jan, 2021 respectively. The boys and girls on the successful completion of the 7-Day Ski course thanked the Tourism Department for the unique learning and adventure opportunity provided to them this winter season.
During the course of the Introductory Ski training, three of the best among the trainees in each of the six groups will be selected and sponsored by the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir for Intermediate & Advance level courses.
Apart from the Tourism Department, hundreds of boys and girls are being imparted basic Ski training this season by the Youth Services & Sports Department. The Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering has also started various Ski training courses at Gulmarg.