SRINAGAR: The renowned tourist destination of Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir has come alive with the buzz of winter sports, as a seven-day ice skating event kicks off the winter games season.
Organised by the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) in collaboration with the Tourism Department and the Ice Skating Association, the event began last week and will run until January 18.
The ice rink, developed last year by the SDA with the support of the tourism department and the ice skating association, aims to provide local athletes and students with a platform to sharpen their skills and compete in national and international events.
20 skaters are participating in this year’s competition under the guidance of Mohammad Ashraf, General Secretary of the Ice-Skating Association.
An official highlighted the enthusiasm the event has generated among locals and tourists alike. “Sonamarg has so much to offer in the winter season. Ice skating will not only enhance the experience for tourists but also provide our youth with new opportunities in the sports and hospitality sectors,” a local resident stated.
Now in its second edition, the competition follows the successful debut of the event last year. The SDA is committed to expanding the scope of the event, making it a symbol of winter sports and a key attraction for tourism in the region.
The excitement around the winter games coincides with the recent inauguration of the Z-Morh or Sonamarg tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13. This critical infrastructure project is expected to significantly improve connectivity, drive economic growth, and further enhance tourism in Sonamarg. (KNO)
