Srinagar: President, Mohammad Abass Wani and General Secretary, Muhammad Yusuf, Winter Games Association of J&K called on Advisor Lt Governor, Farooq Khan, and discussed different issues related to the development of winter Games in the Union Territory.
According to a statement issued by the WGAJK, the delegation apprised the Advisor about the present scenario of Snow Sports in Jammu & Kashmir. “They thanked the Advisor for pursuing the allotment of 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games to J&K for 2nd consecutive year in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,” reads the statement.
“They requested him to hold a review meeting of the past games with the stakeholders so that 2021 games could be conducted successfully this year as well. They informed the Advisor that besides Khelo India, the association is all set to hold first-ever International Himalayan Countries Ski Race in winter 2021,” it reads.
In order to develop a vibrant winter games infrastructure in the Union Territory, the delegation put forth several demands before the Advisor, which include homologation of ski slopes and certification of race courses by International Ski Federation (FIS), setting up a Snow Sports Academy on the analogy of Cricket and Football, approval of domestic calendar and holding of National Junior Alpine Ski and Snowboarding Championship, issues related to annual renewal of associations with Registrar of Societies, transfer of dormitory from Gulmarg Development Authority to Sports Council for its better use by athletes and purchase of much needed ski and snowboard equipment,” it said.
“The Advisor assured the delegation that all the demands would be considered in a phased manner. He reiterated that the Govt of India is very keen to set up a National Centre of Excellence for Winter Sports at Gulmarg which may cost the Govt nearly 100 to 150 crores. He maintained that WGAJK has been instrumental in inculcating spirit of winter sports among local youth but suggested the delegation to run the association on the guidelines of National Sports Code to make the association more vibrant,” it added.
