KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
To boost the winter sports in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the ski-resort of Gulmarg will host the 12th “National Ice Skating Championship” from December 30 for five days, the tourism department said on Monday.
As many as 17 teams from different mainland Indian states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will be participating in the event under the auspices of national ice skating association.
Nearly 150 athletes will take part in the ice skating championship which will include Short Track Speed Skating, Dancing and Figure Skating. “This is a big development with regards to improvement in winter sports and tourism in the state especially to Gulmarg resort,” Tourism Director Mehmood Shah said.
Notably, Gulmarg is a prime tourist destination of Kashmir, which receives a huge influx of local, domestic and foreign tourists in winter. “Hosting a national sports event in Gulmarg will not only enhance the tourism base but also give impetus to local sportsmen, who will experience training and exposure during the event,” Shah added.
According to General Secretary Ice Skating Association, RK Gupta, the “national level event” in Kashmir will help in ascertaining and bringing the talent to the forefront which can be utilised to set the next target to train for next Olympic Games to be held in South Korea.
Other than the state teams, several local and national clubs like Ladakh Sports Club, Sonawat and Gulmarg Ice Skating Club.
(Courtesy: iamin dna of Srinagar with minor changes.)
