Winter games in Kashmir preponed; to be held from Dec 15

Srinagar, Dec 11 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has advanced the winter games, to be held at the world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, by ten days to December 15.

The games were earlier scheduled to commence on December 25.

Talking to UNI here, Tourism Director and Jammu and Kashmir Winter Games Association (WGA) president Farooq Ahmad Shah said the games have been preponed as the Kashmir valley witnessed heavy snowfall much ahead of the normal schedule.

''We have decided to advance the dates to enable the tourists and the participants to fully utilise the winter season,'' he added.

Mr Shah said the season was likely to give a fillip to the ailing tourism sector as visitors, especially from abroad, were expected to visit the valley. All the arrangements for the winter games were being finalised, he added.

Mr Shah said besides Gulmarg, winter sports will also be held at unexplored ski resorts of Yousmarg, Doodipathri and Pahalgam. The Tourism Department will organise a week-long ice skating championship at Gulmarg from December 15, marking the beginning of the winter sports activities at the world famed resort, he added.

This would be followed by Gulmarg Cup from February 4 to 11 next year while the Gondola Ski Cup will be organised in the last week of February, the Tourism Director said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Youth services and Sports Department will also conduct a ski coaching camp at Gulmarg from December 15.

The Department will also organise different courses for students in skiing. While the first course would be held from January 7 to 21 next year, the second from January 23 to February 6, the third from February 8 to 22 and the fourth from February 24 to March 10.

An inter-district competition would be held from March 12 to 16.

The Kashmir University would conduct first course from January 20 to February 3 and the second course from February 18 to March 4.

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council will hold its first course from January 16 to 29, second course from February one to 14 and the third course from February 15 to 28. Besides, the Ski Association of Delhi will organise a National Snowboard Championship there on January 13 and 14 next year.

UNI FMH MYK PM RS1043