Ice-skating coaching camp in Shimla

Shimla, Dec 28 (ANI): A weeklong ice-skating coaching camp began in Shimla to train and hone the skills of competitors for the ensuing national ice-skating championship.

More than 80 enthusiastic skaters from all over India are taking part in the ice-skating carnival.

"This camp is organised on all India basis. It will go on till January 2. Then between January 3 and 5 the national ice skating competition will be held. Till now, we have 60 participants from other states and 20 from Shimla who will take part in this camp and then will also participate in the national championship," said Devesh Banga, Secretary, Shimla Ice Skating Club.

On their part, the participants said that Shimla is a nice place and they were enjoying learning the skills of ice-skating at the club.

" We are here to learn speed skating and this is one of the best camps in South East Asia. This is a nice place and we are getting to learn a lot," said Rafat, a participant from Hyderabad.

The carnival will go on till January 5, 2011.

The skating season in Shimla usually begins in December and ends in February.

Shimla has the largest semi-natural ice-skating rink in India, and the city's Ice-Skating Club hosts the annual Ice-Skating Carnival. (ANI)