SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 10: Secretary Youth Services and Sports Department, Sarmad Hafeez, Monday flagged-off a team of Snowshoe athletes here for their participation in World Snowshoe Championship-2020 to be held at Myoko in Japan.
The nine-members of Snowshoe team—who hail from Kashmir would be representing India in the World Snowshoe championship-2020 in Myoko, Japan. The championship is being organized by World Snowshoe Federation (WSSF) and Indian team is being fielded by Snowshoe Federation of India that is based in Gulmarg.
While flagging-off the team here, Hafeez wished members of the contingent luck and hoped that they will shine and bring laurels at the championship.
“Snowshoe is relatively new sports and activity in Kashmir but it is very popular in the USA and European Countries. It is not just a sport but everyday activity in these Countries during winter months,” he said, adding “We in J&K have got lot of places where Snowshoe activity and sports events can be held,” Sarmad said, adding during the Khelo India Games to be held in Kashmir, Government would be introducing Snowshoe as a new major activity.
The nine-member team-include two students, Zain Ali and Ayaan Bin Shahnaz from Burn Hall Higher Secondary Institute and their instructor Feroz Ahmad. It also includes other three senior athletes Gulzar Ahmad, Mushtaq Bashir, Zulfqar and Muzamil Hussain. Apart from that, they have two officials as well.
“We are happy to receive every kind of support from the Government. Under Sarmad Hafeez’s leadership, we have seen many remarkable steps being taken in the sports infrastructure. It has boosted the morale of the players and we are confident that we will do well in the event,” Mir Mudassar, one of the team members, said.
“During the event, our team would be highlighting Kashmir tourism. We will be on the forefront to promote Kashmir tourism during the event that will see athletes’ participation from around 24 Countries,” he added.
The team would be leaving from Delhi to Japan on Wednesday. The championship in Myoko is being held from February 14 to 16.
