Srinagar 18th March: In order to develop winter sports among local children and youth and to select state teams for future National Championships the Winter Games Association of J&K is organizing State Winter Games under the auspices of J&K State Sports Council.
The competitions will be held among all age groups and sexes in Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Snowboarding from Friday, the March 23. The athletes shall report at Gulmarg on March 23 at 10 am with Skis, Snowboards and other required protective gear etc. near Tourism Ski Hire Shop (85 Ski Slope).
A spokesman of the EGAJK said that no equipment will be provided by the association during the event.
On first day the preliminary rounds will be held and those who qualify will stay at Gulmarg for finals, to be held on corresponding days. Boarding and lodging will be provided by the association,” said the spokesman.
In Snowboarding, competition will be held in Senior and Junior (born after 1997) male categories, while in Alpine Skiing there will be many age groups like senior, borne in 1997-99; 2000-01; 2002-03 and 2004-05. Nordic competitions will be held in Sprint, 5 kms, 10 kms and Mass Start etc for senior men and women. The registration of athletes will be made on the spot after paying registration fee of Rs.150. The participants shall bring age proof and one PP size photograph. Without age proof no one will be allowed to participate in junior categories.
The President of the Association and MLA Gulmarg Mohammad Abbas Wani said that the association had to abandon the District championships due to lack of funds.
“The Association tried its best to host the National Junior and Senior Championship but due to bleak financial position it could not happen on time,” said Wani, adding, the Association is still trying to host it jointly with HAWS and IIS&M.
