Srinagar: The Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir (WGAJK) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 29, 2025, at Hotel Shahanshah Palace, Dalgate.
The meeting was attended by representatives of affiliated units, district associations, and international athletes.
An award ceremony was also organised on the occasion, with MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, attending as the chief guest. Several athletes and officials were honoured for their outstanding contributions to winter sports.
Arif Khan was awarded Outstanding Skier of the Year, while Zubair Ahmad Lone received the Outstanding Snowboarder of the Year award. Ghulam Hassan Lala was presented with an Award of Appreciation, and senior member Abdul Rehman Dar was conferred with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award. President of WGAJK, Rouf Tramboo, presented a memento to the chief guest as a token of appreciation.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah highlighted the crucial role played by senior members of the association, including Shabir Wani, Dar Sahib, Gul Mustafa, and others, in strengthening and institutionalising winter sports in the region. Recalling his tenure as Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, he said he had made sincere efforts to ensure the formal registration of the association, which was eventually achieved.
The MLA said Gulmarg occupies a premier position in India’s winter sports landscape and recalled its historical significance as a skiing destination dating back to the British era. He added that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is keen to develop Gulmarg into a world-class ski destination. Reaffirming his support, Shah assured continued cooperation with WGAJK, noting that he has been associated with the association since its inception.
During the AGM, WGAJK President Rouf Tramboo thanked members, officials, and athletes for their continued support in promoting winter sports across Jammu and Kashmir. He also shared the calendar of upcoming activities and assured that the association would continue to work in the best interests of athletes. Tramboo thanked the MLA for sparing time and offering valuable suggestions.
He further informed members about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Winter Games Association and the Department of Tourism for conducting skiing courses. Under the agreement, WGAJK will provide certified instructors and issue certificates, while the Tourism Department has assured access to the newly renovated hut at Gulmarg.
Secretary General of WGAJK, Farhat Naik, presented the minutes of the previous AGM and highlighted the achievements of athletes and the association over the past year. Senior member Abdul Rehman Dar presented the audited accounts on behalf of the association’s treasurer.
Former President and Patron-in-Chief Abbas Wani was also present at the meeting. He stressed the need to streamline association affairs and reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting athletes under all circumstances.
