Kashmiri kids take to skis like ducks to water in Gulmarg

Gulmarg , Feb 7 (ANI) :A ski instructor in Gulmarg has said many children are taking up skiing.

Naushad Ahmad said the sport is gaining recognition

"Earlier, people used to come here only from other parts of the country. Our local children were not showing much interest in the sport because they never get much exposure. But as the sport grew, many local children from Sopore, Baramulla and even far-off places are coming here to do skiing."

The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), and the Indian Mountaineering Institute have conducted three skiing courses in Gulmarg, this year so far.

Mehak, a child undergoing ski training said, "I have come here because I want to go ahead in life. Same as girls from other parts of the country."

In 2010-11, over 500 students from various schools in Jammu and Kashmir have joined the courses.

Gulmarg has some of the country's highest ski runs.(ANI)