Advent of Roller Skating in Kashmir

The Sports Council has paid no attention towards roller skating rink at Bakshi Stadium where playing conditions are pathetic and primitive-talent remains untapped and ungroomed writes Mohamad Yousuf

History:

The advent of Roller Skating in Kashmir dates back to early 1970s when this writer first learned skating with the help of a boy from some north-eastern state. He then taught it to his friend, Mehraj-ud-Din during his college days. They later jointly trained scores of youth mostly on the road track along busy and much exposed Boulevard. When they joined Kashmir University to pursue higher education they started training their class mates at University campus. This new sport was warmly welcomed by the student and teaching community of the University. Initially Prof Jenab Rehman Rahi, who was heading the Kashmiri Department, allowed them to conduct training for his students in lecture theatre of Kashmiri Dep’t, situated on top most floor of Arts Block. Soon the thrill, fascination and excitement of the sport attracted students of other deptts as well. With the increasing number of trainees it became difficult to operate skating in a small lecture theatre. A Roller Skating Club was then formed in the University under the name and style “University Roller Skating Club” in 1977. This writer was chosen its first student Secretary by the University. After recognition of this sport the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. R.H. Chesti allotted a big hall to the Club in the ground floor of Iqbal Library and provided other facilities, needed for its upliftment.

Formation of first Skating Club:

With the passage of time some ex students of the University formed a voluntary club under the name Kashmir Roller Skating Club in Srinagar to popularize skating among common people in 1978. On the other hand this sport had already gained popularity all over Jammu province. A roller Skating rink was constructed in the Indoor Stadium there. Competitions were regularly held. In order to control the sport in J&K state and to receive grants from State Sports Council a state level association was formed at Jammu under the name J&K Roller Skating Association in 1978, which was later renamed as Amateur Roller Skating of J&K 1981. KRSC has never been given affiliation by the Association.

Discrimination by Sports Council and ARSAJK:

With the dubious role of Jammu based Association this sport could not grow in Kashmir. The Sports Council also gave step motherly treatment to this part which resulted slow death of this sport here. To our dismay not even 2% of the grants of ARSAJK were utilized for the development of skating in Kashmir. The forerunners and veteran skaters from Kashmir were sidelined by the Association and the blue eyed people were pushed in. During this period skating received a big setback here. The newly constructed roller skating rink at Bakshi Stadium was closed down for ever due to some vigilance case against the Council. The Kashmir Province Association, headed by Jenab Fazal Ahmad sahib remained on papers only. Nothing better was done, even during the period when Fazal Sahib was holding the post of Secretary Sports Council. The Jammuites took its full benefit and skating rose to great heights there. Astonishingly no competition or a camp has ever been organized here by the Association in 28 years of its inception. People involved in the sport were never allowed to come forward and infuse fresh blood to this sick sport in the valley. The Council is paying no attention towards the rink at Bakshi Stadium where playing conditions are pathetic and primitive.

Competitions conducted by KRSC:

The pioneer, Kashmir Roller Skating Club, Srinagar, after training hundreds of boys to skating, organized first-ever Open Kashmir Roller Road Race on famous Boulevard in June 1981. Large number of local skaters including some from Jammu took part in that historic competition. Late Shri K.S. Sethi, then member J&K Sports Council, was Chief Guest on closing function. In senior category Late Shri Joginder Singh of Jammu won first position. While as the 2nd and 3rd position went to Rajesh Gupta of Jammu and M. Ashraf Dijoo of Srinagar. In below 18 years category Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Feroz Ahmad Dar and Faisal Hameed bagged first three positions respectively.

After remaining dormant for 17 years the Club managed to hold 2nd Open Kashmir Skating Championship on Skating Rink at Bakshi Stadium in 1998. This was first time that State Sports Council came forward and sanctioned Rs.6, 000/- for conducting the championship. With the availability of rink the Club was able to hold many events like Roller Hockey, Speed Skating, and Artistic Skating for different age groups in both sexes. In order to inculcate a spirit of this rolling sport among kids a fancy dress and free skating competition was also held. Many local clubs took part in this biggest ever Championship.

The Club has some more achievements at its credit. Two members including Firdous Khan took part in an International Roller Skating Rally from Delhi to Lahore, organized by the Roller Skating Confederation of India in 1983. On the persuasion of the Club three skaters of Kashmir province, Irfan Ahmad Towseef Ahmad and Muneer Sultan were included in 60 member state contingent which participated in the National Roller Skating Championship held at Vishakhapatnam in December 1998.

Skating in Youth Services:

Roller Skating is a regular feature of School Games Federation of India. Like all other sports competitions are held in this sport at National level as well. J&K is participating in these competitions for long but unfortunately till 2004 not a single skater from Kashmir province was included in the state contingent. Not only this, the local skaters were not even given opportunity to participate in State School Skating Championship, annually organized by the Department in Jammu. The regional favoritism caused anguish and disinterest among all District Youth Services Officers of Kashmir Province. But credit goes to Mr. Abdul Rehman Dar who boldly took the challenge and managed training youth and inter-school skating competitions in Srinagar District on open Boulevard. With his great efforts 4 boys and 1 girl qualified the selection trials at Jammu and represented J&K in 50TH National School Roller Skating. Championship held in Ahmedabad in December 2004. It was first appearance of any Kashmiri skaters in any such a major sporting event. There were 5 students from Kashmir and remaining 55 from Jammu. In the corresponding year again 4 boys and 2 girls represented. In 2006 the number slightly increased by 4 boys and 4 girl but in 2007 the quota was again reduced to 4 boys and 1 girl. The data given above clearly shows inequality in two provinces of the state. Whether players are getting preferential treatment or not in the selection process is arguable. But they are certainly getting it in the training facilities. They have number of rinks there For developing this neglected sport among local schools credit must also go to Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, Lecturer-in-Physical Education who himself imparted training to student and accompanied the Kashmir contingent continuously from 2004.

Other elements responsible for discrimination:

Few years back the Government developed a Children’s Park, close to Iqbal Park in Srinagar with the intention to provide all sort of amusement and recreation to local children. Mr. Omar Abdullah, a veteran skater, sanctioned some grant-in-aid for constructing a Mini Roller Skating Rink in this Park out of his constituency development fund. The rink was thrown open to general public by Mr. Omar himself on the last day of December few years back. After skating around he dedicated the rink to children. In his speech he said that the “rink is a New Year gift to children”. But unfortunately the gift went to the Directorate of Gardens and Parks who restricted the entry of children in the Park. They wanted to make money out of it by charging gate fee to small kids, which was not affordable for poor children. The hope of promoting skating in Kashmir thus vanished. Due to entry fee none of the children is ever seen in the Park accept on Eid festivals. Should someone ask them that how much money they have raised out of entry fee and how much money they have spent on its staff there? It is urged upon Director Gardens and Park to leave rink open for children.

It is good news for all of us that the J&K Youth Services Dep’t has taken up a project of constructing a rink at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh in Srinagar. The rink, once completed, will be available for all budding skaters of the state free of charges. It will help arrange training camps and feedback competitions here, which will in turn certainly improve the techniques and tactics of the sport among our skaters. We hope the Youth Services would complete construction work in shortest possible time. They deserve congratulations from the skating community of Kashmir.

Published on 21st December, 2008 in Daily Rising Kashmir.

Know Some Unknown Mountain Sports

There is immediate need to set up a Research Cell in the Recreation Wing of Tourism Department for inventing, introducing, popularizing and encouraging new recreational sports in the valley writes Mohamad Yousuf

As discussed in detail in earlier columns Sonamarg is a hidden treasure for various terrestrial, aquatic and aero sports. There are many more unknown recreational sports for which natural facilities are available here. There is need of developing and exploiting these unknown sports among the masses so that it could help state attract more tourists, adventurers and explorers to this great tourist destination.

It is now right time for Tourism Department to set up a research cell in its Recreation Wing. Some of the objectives which the Cell is expected to achieve are: inventing, introducing, popularizing, and encouraging new and unknown recreational sports among general public at large and tourists in particular; to achieve mountain sports awareness; creating, displaying and demonstrating new recreational activities etc. There is also utmost need of exploring new areas of tourist interest and chalking out concept itineraries for intended tourists and local enthusiasts. Conducting of familiarization tours would certainly help to draw attention of tourist players towards these unknown recreational activities.

There is no other thought that Sonamarg could offer a host of many unknown nontraditional sports that require participants to combine athletic skill with pronounced risk. These nontraditional sports include scree running, zorbing, grass skiing, angling, tree climbing,, snow cycling, kite flying and orienteering etc. These sports are gaining popularity all over the world but we do not have still any concept of these outdoor pursuits. Nontraditional mountain sports allow and encourage individual creativity in the innovation of new maneuvers and in the stylish execution of existing techniques. As more people become aware of these nontraditional sports, the activities gain more enthusiasts. One result of the growing interest is that those who pride themselves on participating in challenging, cutting-edge activities are constantly searching for new ways to test themselves. This ensures the continuity of newer extreme sports.

Scree Running is not a recognized sport but could be developed as a recreational activity for the trekkers who happen to go to high places frequently. Scree is an accumulation of rock debris on a hill. Scree Running is a method of controlled slide down a gravelly slope like we glissade on ice or snowy slopes. In Sindh valley we have number of naturally groomed scree slopes with fine small loose stones, spread all over from hilltop to the base. Krishensar and Vishensar are ideal places for introducing this kind of unknown sport. Like in snow skiing, a Scree Running player zooms down the scree slopes either straight down hill or in zigzag position. A player, in high back boots, bends his knees and puts weight forward and arms spread apart to maintain his balance. Competition in slalom or downhill can also be held in this unique sport.

Orienteering no doubt is played internationally but is still unknown to us. It is a competitive sport, played at all levels including World University Games (Universiad). Orienteering is a Cross-Country race involving map reading. Competitors make their way through unfamiliar mountain terrain using a compass and a topo graphical map. A state level Association in this sport was formed here by some local enthusiasts few years back and conducted few minor competitions at Zabarvan hill in Srinagar some years back but to our dismay the Association could not survive long due to lack of knowledge and interest of State Sports Council. It is also not patronized by any other sports organization like Kashmir University or J&K Youth Services Dep’t.

Tree Climbing is yet another unknown sport in Kashmir. This sport helps a person to build courage, confidence and strength. For adequate safety a piton and a Karabiner is fixed atop a well trimmed and waxed tree and a rope is run through the karabiner for belaying the climber. Bellay is essentially applied from ground after securing it with the climber. One who climbs tree in shortest possible time is declared winner. Major tree climbing competitions are held in some southern states of India, particularly in Kerala. Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. The Keralians never let loose any opportunity which could help them to grow their tourism. They are regularly holding tree climbing competitions to attract tourists.

Skiing is usually played on snow and water. But the people in western countries are playing it on grass as well, which is called Grass Skiing. Grass Skiing is becoming increasingly popular in some Asian countries as well. Iran has played a vital role in its development in the continent. Snow skiing and Grass skiing are similar to each other but the difference is that the former is played on snow and the later on grass. Playing techniques and tactics are almost same. Grass skis are similar to roller skates, but instead of wheels it is bonded with a rolling strap beneath its soles like we have in snow scooters, snow beaters and army tanks. The sticks and boots are same. Kashmir has undoubtedly great scope for this sport. We have green pastures everywhere in the valley. Luderwas in Sonamarg and Bud Pathri in Gulmarg etc are suitable places for this sport where we have long slopes covered with velvet like grass.

Zorbing is the activity of rolling down a hill while strapped inside an extremely large plastic ball. It is a developing recreational sport in Kashmir. It was first introduced in Sonamarg by a local travel agency; M/S Karakoram Explorers in the year 2005 who conducted Zorbing on commercial lines. There is a possibility of introducing this sport at different tourist destinations. Zorb ball is made of 150 gauge PVC, with 14 feet circumference. It has two layers, inner and outer. Two players are tied simultaneously with harnesses, which are attached with the inner layer of the ball. It has two small holes for entry and exit of the players. The ball is usually placed on top of any smooth and gradual slope/hill and then rolled down. While rolling down one feels himself in the space. The Zorbing players are also called Zorbonauts.

To Kashmir, fishing simply is an act of catching fish for food, unaware of the fact that fishing is now a sporting and recreational activity, called Sportfishing or Angling. We have number of water bodies in Kashmir those are well stocked with fish including trout. There is potential l to develop angling as a major sporting event in the valley. But Alas! The Fisheries Department has never ever tried to hold any angling competition in Kashmir, which could otherwise help to promote tourism here. It is amazing that each year 750,000 people participate in local, state and regional events in the United State. The competitions include cash awards and prizes for various categories, including the biggest fish caught, the most fish caught, and first fish caught. The most favored methods of angling are bait fishing, spin fishing, trolling, ice fishing and fly-fishing.

Published on 16th December, 2008 in Daily Rising Kashmir

Gulmarg : The Paradise Under Snow

Gulmarg is turning into Mecca of winter sports in the Himalayas – Ski thrill starting soon in the paradise under snow writes Mohammad Yousuf

All the activities come to an abrupt end when white mantle covers all our mountains and valleys in winter and people just think of huddling round the Bukharis or gas stoves etc. unaware of the fact that a vast sea of adventure lies open to us. The valleys where one treks in summer become excellent ski spots. Our mountains offer dozens of ski resorts but the most familiar among them is Gulmarg.

Before emerging Gulmarg as a winter sports resort it was used as a rest place by the tourists and shepherds to graze their cattle in summer. For winter sports there is no other place like Gulmarg in the entire Himalayas. It is in fact an enchanting abode of powder snow. Ski as a refined and great sport is of very recent origin in Kashmir. No doubt it started in Gulmarg during British Raj in 1927 but it was actually introduced to general public in early 1970’s. The British soldiers had formed a Ski Club at Gulmarg and large number of British was coming to Gulmarg during Christmas holidays. With the establishment of Gulmarg Winter Sports Project the ‘valley of flowers’ gradually developed into a major winter sports destination of the country. For the last forty years Gulmarg in winter grew slowly a playground of exciting snow sports and a winter holiday place. From middle of December and middle of April every year, the green slopes turn into natural white snow turf for the action packed game of skiing here. The ski slopes at Kongdori and Khilanmarg are rated as one of the finest in the world where skiing is possible up to late May. Over the years Gulmarg was regarded as a highest ski resort but also the cheapest in the world. The first snow fall invites the ski enthusiasts in the field. From 10 am to 4 pm every skier tries for more and more excitement out of the slopes on skis without any break.

There are number of winter Olympic sports such as alpine and cross-country ski, ski-jumping, bobsleighing, tobogging, ice hockey, ice skating curling derby, Olympic rodeo, biathlon, disabled skiing and luge etc. Presently only alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ice skating events are conducted at Gulmarg. Gulmarg could offer host of other events like luge, bobsleigh, ski jumping and tobogganing if necessary infrastructure is raised there. Tourism department is also promoting snow cycling and snow rugby here for last few years. Some Heli-skiers also zoom down nearby mountains here.

Mount. Apharwat, 13,500 feet in Gulmarg, is considered the Mecca of winter sports in India. It offers best skiing and snowboarding on different challenging ski runs, the most famous among them are Lily White, Bihari Pole and Marry Shoulder etc. Zooming down from top of the mountain over cornice could be most fascinating for extreme skiers. Keeping in view the degree of difficulty and gradient of Apharwat the first National Winter Games were held here under the auspices of Indian Olympic Association and Winter Games Federation of India in 1998. The 4th and 5th National Games were consecutively held here in 2004 and 2008 respectively. Some more competitions of national and international significance were also conducted here in recent past. The resort is well equipped with snow beating machines, ski doos, ski equipment and number of subsidiary puma ski lifts for novices and intermediate skiers.

In its endeavor to promote winter tourism in Kashmir the Tourism Department is organizing snow festival at Gulmarg for last two years in which competitions are held in snowman making, snow rugby, snow cycling, sledge race, alpine ski race ad ice skating competitions, Last year the Snow Baseball was also introduced. Besides, night ski demonstration, Band Pather (folk dance) and many other cultural activities are held to provide amusement and recreation to the tourist. This year there would be many other attractions to woo the tourists.

Ski-touring is growing fast in the resort because most of the foreigners are lured to go for wilderness skiing here. A trip to Mount Tatakoti, Mount Sunrise and Mount Sunset in Tosa Maidan of Pirpanjal range offers high adventure and great challenge. Every tour to these mountains reveals a new facet of the Himalayas to the foreigners. One can also undertake still longer trips to Yusmarg, Poonch and Varmul. For wilderness skiing the Alfredo Outer Circular Road, Nagatop (Gulmarg to Baba Reshi), inner circular road via Thandi Sarak and Monkey hills, Bud Pathri and Tangmarg via Ferozpur Nallah etc could also be ideal for day touring. The Mountain skis and snowboards are available with a private Hire Shop “Kashmir Alpine Shop”, looked after by two great adventurers, Mr. Yaseen Khan and Mr. Abdul Hameed Dar. The highly t trained and experienced Guides are also available there.

For routine day tourists Gulmarg is equally a paradise, particularly when there is about 8 to 10 feet of snow and huge icicles hanging on rooftops. While seeing who Gulmarg under snow they feel themselves in some mysterious and wonder land. Surprisingly, the soon tourists reach Gulmarg they start fighting with each other, no matter how close the relation is. It could be son to mother or father, wife to husband, or sister to brother but with “soft snow balls”. The excitement and the pleasant atmosphere perhaps lead them to hold snow fighting among them. Throwing snow balls at one another, winning or losing forts in face to face fights is joyful for every tourist. A trip on sledge around Gulmarg in winter has a soothing effect on soul.

The unique features make Gulmarg Asia’s premier ski resorts, such as; it receives good quantity of snow which is powdery and of good quality for skiing. Gulmarg is a bowl shaped resort, guarded by mountains all around. The surrounding mountains restrict cold winds to enter inside the valley. While as, the ski resorts in Alps and Rockies etc. are exposed to extremely cold winds and frequent avalanches which don’t usually occur here. From Gulmarg one can have a panoramic view of majestic mountains extending to the distant horizon, like Mt. Nanga Parbat, K2,, other Karakoram group of peaks in other part of Kashmir. From here one can also see Harmukh, Kolahoi, Nun & Kun (Zanaskar massif), Brahma groups of peaks, Sickle Moon in Kishtwar Himalayas etc. Besides there is a wonderful view of whole Kashmir valley beneath which make Gulmarg a wonder land of the Great Himalayas. Gulmarg has naturally well groomed ski runs suitable for a novice to advanced skier. It has good sunshine as well as good snow. The longest Gondola (5.2 Km) of Asia and highest (13,500 feet) in the world lies in Gulmarg which is the prime attraction of the resort.

Different organizations organize short and long ski courses for the youth here which include J&K Youth Services and Sports, University of Kashmir, Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports and J&K State Sports Council. Some private schools are also conducting training programs for their students. Three types of courses are conducted i.e. Basic, Intermediate and advance course, usually of 14 days duration. The Tourism Department (Kashmir) has come up with a big programme this year. They intend to organize National Snow Rugby championship, Derby championship, 3rd Annual Snow Festival, Ice Skating camp for local boys and girls and National Junior Alpine Ski championship etc. Besides, the Winter Games Association of J&K shall hold Annual State Winter Games Championship in alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ice-skating events etc. District Winter Games Association, Srinagar is also planning to organize a coaching camp and feedback completion for its members at Gulmarg.

This is now right time for Government of India to declare Gulmarg as winter sports capital of India, as we have all sorts of natural facilities available here. Allotting Common Wealth Winter Games to a lesser popular resort of Uttaranchal is a step motherly treatment towards Kashmir. It is learnt that the Government of India has sanctioned hundred of crores of rupees to Uttaranchal for hosting the forthcoming Winter Common Wealth Games.

The article was published in Daily Rising Kashmir on December 12, 2008

Learning The Difficult Balancing Sport

Kayaking and Canoeing is catching up fast among local College and University youths, which is most fascinating, thrilling and scintillating among all paddle sports, writes Obaid Yousuf

There are different kinds of paddle sports like rafting, traditional boating, Canoe Polo, dragon boating, kayaking, canoeing, and rowing etc. But I found Kayaking and canoeing the most difficult among all. These are the sports which depend on ones balance and strength. For a beginner it is very difficult to control the boat as the kayaks and canoes are very delicate and are very narrow and light weight. For rowing these boats one has to learn the balancing first. Unless one masters the balancing it is not possible for him to even put his feet in the boat. The sports, like snow and water skiing, snowboarding, ice and roller skating, gymnastics and cycling etc, also depend on balancing but the kayaking and canoeing as I observed are most complicated one. Though I have represented the state in many junior national Snow skiing and Roller Skating championships and have done water ski course as well, yet I found Kayaking very challenging and scintillating one. A trainer first teaches ground exercises of boat handling, paddle holding, skills of different strokes and then the novice is taken to water where he is taught maintaining balance and paddling techniques. Before venturing into the water body it is mandatory for every kayaker and canoer to learn life saving and rescue work. In the past I have paddled the traditional boats on Dal and Nageen lakes but I experienced that handling a modern fiberglass kayak or canoe is very difficult task. It was really a new experience for me when I learned to sit in the boat and paddle around.

It was in September this year, when my College Physical Director, Mr. Abdul Rashid inspired and encouraged me to this healthy sport. I and my class mate, Aaqib Wani, were nominated for a training camp in Kayaking and Canoeing, organized by Kashmir University Lake Club at Nageen Lake. It was first camp of its kind, organized by the University after procuring about 24 modern kayaks and canoes. The training was very rigorous and I had to exercise my muscles a lot. While learning the balancing I was dipping in the water more than fifty times every day but did not give up. It was really hard to get in and out of the boat in the water once it capsized.

The University Aquatic Coach, Mr. Mohamad Yousuf took lot of pains in teaching us the complex skills of this scintillating sport. There were only two student from our College while as the majority of boys were from Islamia, Amar Singh and Gandhi Memorial Colleges. There were also few trainees from Sopore College and Post-Graduate Department of Law. The Amar Singh College and Islamia College students were already trained and had bagged some medals in the last two All India Inter-University Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, held at Chandigarh and Srinagar in the year 2006 and 2007 respectively. They were just polishing and recapitulating their techniques under the supervision of University Coach.

On the conclusion of the camp the University Lake Club organized first-ever Inter-College Kayaking and Canoeing Championship at Nageen Lake on 24th and 25th October, 2008. Since this sport has not yet gained popularity in the local Colleges only six teams took part in this historic Championship. Islamia College won maximum medals and lifted the champion’s trophy. After putting my hard efforts I managed to win a Gold medal in 1000 Mtr. K1 race and silver medal in WWK1 500 mtr. The competition was very tough and it was difficult to beat the giants of Islamia and Amar Singh Colleges.

It is learnt that the University has spent an amount of rupees twelve lakhs for raising the modern kayaking equipment last year. It is perhaps only facility centre of its kind for college and university students in the valley. The boats are kept in Tourism hanger at Nageen which is not a proper place for storing this sophisticated and very expensive equipment because the hanger here is a defective one and is badly damaging the boats. The tourism hanger has narrow shelves where one has to drag out the delicate boats from the shed. Some boats have already developed scratches on its smooth surface and some rudders are detached. The University should have first constructed the shed and then purchased the boats. I wish my College could also procure some kayaks and canoes to make our esteemed college a facility centre for its student.

In reward to my better performance in the Inter-College Kayaking and Canoeing championship I was selected for pre-All India Inter-University kayaking and Canoeing Championship coaching camp which was held in the month of October. The twelve selected campers were given intensive coaching and taught finest points of the sport. Due to early snow fall and cold climatic conditions the camp was abandoned. The forthcoming All India Inter-University championship is going to be held in Kerala University during winter. Kashmir University has already sent its entry to organizing University for its participation. The team comprising of about 12 students of different colleges stand selected. The team is confident of winning number of medals in the said championship this year I am thrilled for being selected for this prestigious championship. This will be my first participation in any Inter-University Championships, though I have participated in many Junior National Championships in the past.

Competitive Events and Categories:

K1- single seat kayak, weight 12 kgs, length 520 cm. Competitive events are 200 m. 500 m. 1000 m for men and for women 200 and 500 m; K2-double seat kayak, weight 18 kgs, length 650 cm. Competitive events same as in K1; K4-four seated Kayak, weight 30 kgs, length, 1100 cm. Competitive events are same as in K1 and K2; C1-single kneeling canoe, weight 16 kgs, length 520 cm. Competitive events are 200, 500 and 1000 mtrs for men only; C2-double kneeling canoe, weight 20 kgs, length 650 cm. Competitive events same as in C1; C4-four persons kneeling canoe, weight 30 kgs, length 900 cms. Competitive events same as in C1 and C2 events.

At the end I admit that there are hardships, hard work and hazards in kayaking and canoeing but in return it builds confidence, courage, coordination, character and co-operation. Take opportunity of stealing these elements by joining the University Lake Club.

About Author:

Obaid Yousuf is a B.Com student of Govt. Degree College, Bemina and is simultaneously pursuing GNIIT (Software Engineering) from National Institute of Information Technology. In his leisure time he writes articles on sports and social issues. Photography is also his hobby. Feedback at: ubaidyusuf@hotmail.com

The article was published in Rising Kashmir on 9th December, 2008

Escalation of Baseball in Jammu and Kashmir

The spirit of Fida Hussain is behind the promotion and development of Baseball in J&K, claims Mohamad Yousuf

Baseball is a national game of America. They consider it to be not only their national pastime but their national passion because of its strong tradition and great popularity. Today baseball no longer belongs to America; it is played around the world now, from small towns in the Dominican Republic to Sleek Stadium in Japan, as an Olympic sport. It is played throughout the world by men and women of all ages. This wonderful game has also gained popularity in India. It has great future to grow in Jammu and Kashmir too, making inroads in Kashmir in a big way.

Baseball, competitive game of skill played with a hard ball and bat between two teams of nine players each. One team throws a small round ball called a baseball and the other team tries to hit it with a wooden stick (bat). Teams get points by running and touching markers on the ground called “bases”. This is different from most team sports. When three players of the batting team are out, the teams change places. Then the team that was batting starts pitching, and the team that was pitching starts batting. After nine innings, the team that has the most runs is the winner. The baseball field, roughly two acres (.8 hectares) in area, is divided into an infield and outfield. The infield includes the bases and the pitcher’s mound, ending at the arced edge of the dirt. Each base in the infield is separated from the next by 90 ft (27 m), and the pitcher stands 60.5 ft (18.4 m) from home plate. The outfield stretches beyond the infield dirt. Basic baseball equipment includes a hard ball, a wooden or aluminum bat, a padded leather glove for each fielder for catching the ball, cleated shoes, and protective helmets for batters. Catchers wear special protective gear, including a helmet, a cage like mask, a padded chest protector, and shin guards

Baseball in J&K:

The American national sport, Baseball, first came to Kashmir when a local enthusiast Fida Hussain Fidvi attended a training camp through Amateur Baseball Federation of India. With his zeal and zest a spirit of this sport was inculcated among the student and non student youth of the state. In a short span of time a local baseball team came into being in the year 2002 and baseball activity kick started in low profile but in a well organized manner. Fida was basically a hockey player but the thrill and more potential lured him to this game. With the aim to develop and control the game of baseball in J&K he constituted a state level Association under the name and style “J&K Baseball Association” with its head quarters in Srinagar in 2003. It was shortly affiliated to Amateur Baseball Federation of India and was granted recognition by the J&K State Sports Council. Today the Association has a strong network all over the state with district units in almost every district. In 2004 and 2005 the Association successfully conducted low profile activities in the vicinity of Srinagar. The first two state level Championships were conducted in 2006 and 2007 but due to certain reasons the championship could not be held this year. The Association has highly talented players who are now regularly participating in the Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior National Championships. In 2005 J&K team performed brilliantly and could find a place in first eight leading teams of the country which is a feat in itself. Three members of the Association, Fida Hussain Fidvi, Firdous Ahmad Malik and Altaf Hussain Bhat were selected by the Federation for an International Coaching Camp, jointly organized by the United State Embassy, New Delhi and International Baseball Federation at Chandigharh in 2005. After performing well in first camp they were selected for advanced camp, jointly organized by the Baseball Federation of Asia and Amateur Baseball Federation of India in 2006. In recognition to its brilliant performance the Amateur Baseball Federation of India has allotted the 21st National Junior boys and girls tourunament-2009 to J&K Baseball Association. The JKBA has earned the honor of hosting this major sporting event for the first time. An expenditure of about rupees twelve lakhs is worked out on this mega sporting event. Since the Association has bleak financial position it is not possible for them to run the championship. The Association has requested the J&K State Sports Council and many other funding agencies to sponsor the tournament. This prestigious tournament will certainly provide a great opportunity to our youngmen to watch a good gala play of a game which is not much popular in Kashmir yet. It will also infuse a spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship among budding players. This is an encouraging development. Baseball needs to be developed in Kashmir to the maximum of its potential.

Baseball in Kashmir University:

Fida did not stop here only. It was his cherished desire to get Baseball included in the sports calendars of local Colleges and University. Till 2005 Baseball was not recognized by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi and no Inter-University tournament was held in this game, which created hurdle to introduce it in Kashmir University. Luckily in May 2005 the Annual General Meeting of All India Inter-University Board of Sports was convened in Kashmir University and on the persuasion of Kashmir University this game was recognized as a competitive discipline at All India Inter-University level. It was nearly after 22 years of its play at national level the game of baseball was finally introduced in Indian Universities. Soon after its recognition the Baseball Association helped Kashmir University in organizing the first-ever Inter-College Baseball tournament in summer 2005. The officials and equipment was provided to the University free of charges. Since then Kashmir University is regularly organizing Inter-College tournaments and fielding its men and women teams in the All India Inter-University Tournaments. Last year Kashmir University was entrusted the daunting responsibility of hosting the 3rd All India Inter-University Baseball Tournament for men and women in Srinagar. Nearly 30 teams of different Universities of the country took part in this prestigious tournament. It was in fact first-ever major baseball tournament held in the state. The University recently conducted the Annual Inter-College Baseball tournament and selected probables for forthcoming Inter-University Championship who are presently undergoing rigorous coaching camp at University campus.

Baseball in Local Schools:

With a view to catch them young, the J&K Baseball Association convinced the importance of baseball to the authorities of J&K Youth Services and Sports Department and got it recognized as a sporting event at Inter-School level. It features now in the Annual Sports calendar of the department. The department participated first time in 53rd National School Games (Baseball Championship) organized by the School Games Federation of India in Indoor, in the year 2006. It is delighting and commendable that the J&K boys and girls teams reached up to the quarter finals of the tournament in its very first attempt which was a big achievement of the department. It, therefore, proves that the J&K Baseball Association has left no stone unturned in promoting and developing the game of baseball in the entire state for which credit goes to Fida Hussain.

Published on 1st December, 2008 in Rising Kashmir

Crisis Management Through Sports

Rafters could be helpful to people in distress during floods writes Mohamad Yousuf

Satisar, present Kashmir, was one of the largest water bodies in the sub-continent in ancient times. Mobility in water was difficult. For navigation, travelling or transporting goods from place to place, people used a flat floating structure made of logs. For carrying timber from far off places like Baramulla and Anantnag etc the people were tying logs with each other and row it to Srinagar till recent years. This type of wooden structure is called raft. Rafting, therefore, is not a new thing to Kashmir.

Initially rafting was a human need but with the passage of time it became an adventure sport, in which people paddle an inflatable raft down a fast-flowing and turbulent river, running over heavy rapids, deep holes, continuous waves and chutes etc . Rafting is a convenient way to travel into beautiful, remote areas that may otherwise be difficult to reach. Whitewater rafting has today become a popular recreational activity around the world. In India, Nepal and other neighboring countries this sport has become increasingly popular. Rafting is now a recognized competitive sport. Competitions are regularly held at national and international levels in many countries. Our own state does not lag behind in this growing tourist outdoor pursuit.

Modern river rafting first came to J&K perhaps in the year 1976 when an Indo-German expedition was launched on river Indus in Ladakh by Col. N. Kumar, accompanied by 2 Germans, Captain M.S. Kohli and a local Ski Instructor, Mr. Abdul Aziz Wani. It created world record when the team paddled down from 14,000 ft to 9,000 ft. Pertinently, the expedition was personally supervised by Late Jenab Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who was an avid Swimmer. After importing modern rafting equipment the Tourism Department initiated rafting programmes in Ladakh and Jammu. The J&K Youth Services and Sports also organized first and only river rafting training camp for school boys at Leh about 15 years back. In 1988 the Indo-USA team succeeded in the first and last successful attempt of the “Chenab” where members of the expedition were from Kashmir valley as well with Mr. Asaf Mehmood as its group leader. Many travel companies’ later organized commercial rafting expeditions on Indus and Zanaskar rivers from time to time. One such expedition was led by Mr. Rouf Tramboo. But till 1998 nobody seriously attempted Kashmir Rivers. Whitewater rafting was virtually introduced among masses in the valley by Kashmir University when they organized first-ever rafting training camp for its 30 students on the waters of Sindh in Sonamarg in the year 1998. They explored Baltal-Shitkari stretch, which is now considered the best place for training novices. Since then the University is regularly organizing training camps here. Many students, trained by the University, have participated in various national and international level championships on river Ganges, Satluj, Indus and Zanasakar. They have also braved some trecherous stretches of river Chenab and Suru etc. This writer got the opportunity to participate in an International Rafting Expedition on river Trisuli in Nepal in 1998. Today we have 13 Commercial Rafting Companies operating in Kashmir. Due to tourism failure this year these companies are fighting for survival and need incentives from Tourism Department.

Wildwater Rafting has come of age in the J&K State now. With the aim to further promote and develop this sport the Directorate of Tourism has come up with innovative programmes. Under the able guidance of Mr. Farooq Shah the Tourism department has successfully organized two National Rafting Championships in Ladakh Himalayas in 2005 and 2007, Ist State Rafting Championship at Pahalgam in 2007 and this year in July they organized First Kashmir Cup International Rafting Championship at Sonamarg. This was the largest International Rafting Championship ever held in India. It was in fact a harbinger of new era of wildwater sports in Kashmir. Such activities of international level will give significant boost to the ongoing efforts for promotion of adventure tourism in the state.

In the year 2004 some ex-students of Kashmir University formed Whitewater Rafting Association in Srinagar. The Association is presently led by Mr. Farooq Shah, Director Tourism. Under his dynamic leadership the Association rose to great heights in a short span of time. The Association was closely associated with State, national and International Rafting Championships, sponsored by Tourism Department for last two years. Besides national championships, the Association has regularly participated in India Cup International Rafting Championships from 2004 to 2007. It is also recipient of “Best Supporting team award” bestowed to it by the Indian Rafting Foundation in Himachal Pradesh.

Crisis Management programme of the WWRAJK:

Humans were caught by natural calamities and catastrophes from time immemorial. They did not know how to tackle the devastating situations or undertake rescue operation. But with the advent of modern technologies it became possible to rescue victims without much human loss. Crisis Management Departments are set up both at Centre and State Governments all over the country but unfortunately they could not properly execute their duty during emergencies due to lack of infrastructure and trained manpower. The sportsmen, who are fearless and are physically fit community, particularly the adventurers, could be useful for such rescue operations. Usually a Sports Association is dedicated to the development of sports in which it is involved but there are some special associations which could additionally extend help to the society in different manners like Marshal Art Associations can teach self defense to girls. Similarly, Rafters could help people in distress during floods, Skiers during snow storms or avalanches, climbers in fire fighting and rescue operations and swimmers in life saving etc. But to our dismay they have neglected this aspect of social work merely because they have not been educated about it by the Crisis Management Dep’t. To take a lead in this direction the Whitewater Rafting Association of J&K has decided to raise a Crisis Management team which would extend its help to the people in distress during floods in and outside the valley. The Association President, Mr. Farooq Shah advised the committee to arrange a training camp in which the members are trained to life saving, rescue work, first-aid, navigation and other related subjects which are useful to them for helping the people, trapped in the floods. The Committee agreed to procure some modern inflatable rafts made of Hypalon, which will be used for training local youth to rafting and crisis management programmes. These rafts generally range from 10 feet to 18 feet in length and carry anywhere from 4 to 13 people. For safety purposes rafts have six or seven separate air chambers, so that in case of a puncture the raft will remain afloat. Today we have self bailing boats which allow water to quickly drain out. Using traditional wooden boats (Shikaras) during floods could be very risky as it doesn’t have capacity to carry heavy loads and self bailing ability. Once the water enters in such boats it suddenly capsizes and could be fatal for flood victims at times. The wooden boats can never be useful on turbulent or fast flowing waters. The Crisis Management Department must involve NGOs for rescue work and provide them financial assistance for raising required equipment. There are many Sports Associations which are ready to extend help to State Crisis Management Department during floods, snow storms, and devastating fires etc. Not only Crisis Management Mr. Farooq Shah advised the Committee to organize a Seminar and a Boat Rally on river Jhelum to create awareness about the preservation of water bodies in the state, which is certainly a laudable idea of Mr. Shah.

Published on 25h November 2008 in the Daily Rising Kashmir, Srinagar

Some Aero Sports That Suite The Valley

 By Mohamad Yousuf

Humans have always dreamed to be up in the air and fly high like a bird. With the advent of aero sports it made possible for them to release their ambition. The aero sports, until now the exclusive preserve of Armed Forces, are now open to anyone willing to partake of it. There are different types of aero sports, such as Hot air ballooning, Hang gliding, Power gliding, Microlight flying, Parachuting/Sky diving, Paragliding and Parasailing etc. In India these sports are controlled by an apex body called Aero Club of India, New Delhi. The main aim of the Club is to promote, develop, regulate and organize aero sports in its all forms in India. In J&K State these sports were looked after by the J&K Aero Sports Association which is defunct now for some time due to financial constraints and step brotherly treatment given to it by the J&K State Sports Council.

Jammu and Kashmir being a sensitive place the aero sports could not find any place in civil sports community and remained confined to military organizations till recent years. Since J&K is a Himalayan state where natural facilities are available for conducting the Paragliding on land and snow, Hang Gliding, parasailing on land and water and Hot air ballooning etc. These sports have tremendous scope in our tourism industry. The intended tourists would certainly love to undertake pleasure flights here, if necessary facilities are made available to them. An ex students of Kashmir University, Murad Bhat had started commercial Paragliding at Sonamarg but surprisingly instead of giving him any incentive the Sonamarg Development Authority charged him huge royalty which led to the closure of this scintillating tourist product there. This is a wrong policy of development authorities to charge royalties to such innovative adventure tourism activities

With the persuasion of two local aero sports enthusiasts, Mr. Jameel Shaheen and the writer, the Aero Club of India, New Delhi granted affiliation to J&K Aero Sports Association way back in 1996 but alas! the J&K State Sports Council did not recognize it till to date, even though some financial assistance was provided to the Association for organizing some Para Skiing and Aqua Parasailing training courses for novices at Gulmarg and Dal Lake respectively. The Sports Council also sponsored the participation of a four member delegation of the Association in a Symposium on “Parachute and Lighter than Air System Technologies” organized by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment at Agra in January 1997. For rendering better services to the society the President of the Aero Association was taken as a member on the Executive Committee of the Sports Council.

It is pertinent to mention here that the amateur aero sports were first brought to Jammu and Kashmir state by Shri Vishwa Bandhu Gupta, President of Ballooning Club of India when he organized a breath taking demonstration of Hot Air Ballooning in Srinagar which was followed by a more challenging Hot Air Ballooning expedition from Leh to Kanayakumari in mid seventies remember the then Chief Minister of J&K, Dr. Farooq Abdullah also undertook a pleasure ride in a Hot Air Balloon with Shri Vishwa Bandhu but Dr. Sahib surprised all spectators when he landed on a tree near Badami Bagh Cantonment.

Hang Gliding is very popular sport in our neighboring state Himachal Pradesh where training camps and competitions are regularly held for the tourists but it remained out of focus of the authorities in our state. The Tourism department could not exploit this sector in the valley. A variation of soaring, hang gliding has been popular since 1970s. Hang Gliders are constructions resembling kites, from which the flier is suspended by means of a harness and supported by a trapezlike frame. It is competitive sport and International Championships are held regularly in this sport. District Budgam is ideal place for this sport where we have well laid roads leading to the tops of VADER. For this type of sport we need mechanical transportation to carry heavy hang gliders from base to the top of the ridge.

Escalation of Paragliding and Parasailing in Kashmir:

Paragliding is a sport in which somebody, called Pilot or paratrooper, jumps from an aircraft or runs down a hill/ridge against the wind direction wearing a rectangular shaped canopy that allows control of direction in the descent to the ground. The alpine paragliding is more popular in Europe and is catching up fast all over the world. The paragliding canopies are lighter and one can easily carry them to high mountain tops and passes where from a pilot can easily take flight and soar in the air for hours. Paragliding is also possible on snow covered slopes and ridges but one must be a good skier. This kind of paragliding is called Para Skiing. It combines the tenacity and stamina required for climbing snow covered mountains on skis with the thrill of flying from mountain tops. Wind is the most important factor for paragliding which after filling its cells and complete inflation the parachute starts gliding at the end of the free fall.

The paragliding canopies offer significantly higher controllability and efficiency. The controls are achieved mainly by manipulating the rear rigging lines. It also provides pin point dropping. Military organizations utilize them for life saving, and dropping personnel, stores, explosives, and payloads with high reliability and accuracy. The parachutes consists of two layers of almost nil porosity fiber with intervening aerofil shaped ribs, making cells. These parachutes have turn rate 10 – 12 seconds for a turn of 360 degree. A pilot hovers in Figure Of Eight style for pin drop landing. While landing it has forward speed of 40 kmph. To cut the speed a pilot lands in the opposite direction of the wind. Alpine Paragliding can be operated from 300 meter to 10,500 m or more in fare weather. Right and left turns can be executed quickly by pulling appropriate control lines. The landing impact is soft comparing other Para jumping events.

Alpine Paragliding is an adventure as well as a competitive sport. This sport of paragliding was first introduced in Kashmir valley by the J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association way back in May 1988 when this sport perhaps did not exist anywhere in the sub-continent. The Swiss team of Alpine Flugschule, Lotschental comprising Mr. Rudi Thomi, Miss Susi and Mr. Walter first trained four members of JKSMA, Mehraj-ud-Din, Firdous Khan, Rouf Tramboo and the writer who later explored Aru (Pahalgam), Thajewas (Sonamarg) and Ahrabal etc. The Swiss experts also undertook a flight from Zabarvan hill in Srinagar and after hovering over Dal Lake they successfully landed in Cheshmashahi garden amidst of hundreds of tourists. This sport is also gaining popularity in Himachal Pradesh and is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. In the year 1997 the Jammu Tourism Department procured about a dozen of Paragliding canopies but these remained unused for most of the time The JKSMA owns two such canopies which they use for training local youth and the students of Kashmir University etc. The J&KASA conducted first Para skiing course at Gulmarg in 1998.

The J&K Aero Sports Association conducted and initiated for the first time, in J&K state, Aqua Parasailing camp under the name and style “Para Dal-1998” on Dal Lake. The main aim for going through with that activity was to foster, amongst local youth a spirit of aero sports. No advance training or special skill is needed and the sport is not expensive. Enthusiasts of this sport can share the excitement without any risk. Under an open parasail they swing in the air through the aid of a special rope of 100 meter length hooking it to a very powerful Motorboat (when flying over water) or jeep (when flying on lane). As the jeep/motor boat moves, the Para sail (round shaped Canopy) open up and flier goes airborne within minutes. The landing is safe both on land and water. This is a cheapest and safest of all aero sports activities which permit humans to fly. It is amazing that a ten year old Biscoe Boy, Obaid Yousuf undertook a parasailing ride over Dal Lake in the year 1999.He set record of being youngest parasailer of the state. He was later felicitated and awarded a cash prize of Rs.1000/-by his school.

Published in Rising Kashmir on 16th Nov. 2008

A Hidden Play-Field for Adventure Sports

By Mohamad Yousuf

Sonamarg is set high in the Sindh valley before the Westward flow of the river is turned south to the vale of Kashmir. At this point it cuts through a line of igneous rock running North-West to South-East, weathered and firm. Nichnai and Thajewas Valleys form North and South run alongside these harder strata to join the Sindh just below Sonamarg. Sonamarg is not simply a picnic spot and a base for Amarnath yatra but it is a wonderful hidden play-field for different adventure sports. It is also one of the best places to study flora, fauna and avi-fauna of the state but unfortunately it has always remained out of focus of the Government and tourist players. They have always neglected it. Comparing Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Patnitop etc. little attention has been paid towards its development.

It is laudable that the Director Tourism (Kashmir), Mr. Farooq Shah has come up with brilliant plans to put this hidden treasure on International adventure map. Conduct of first-ever Kashmir Cup International Rafting Championship at Sonamarg in July this year is a step in the right direction and a good beginning to promote this neglected destination. To exploit its potential in other pursuits Tourism Department should organize similar competitions in other adventure sports in near future. It is heartening that the Tourism Department is planning to build an artificial Rock Wall in Srinagar soon which would certainly help to inculcate and encourage a spirit of climbing among local youth. Efforts are afoot to make the Sport Climbing an indoor competitive Olympic discipline.

The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), led by Mr. Bakshi Javid Hamayun, is also putting its efforts to develop the infrastructure and bring it at par with other famous resorts of the state. It remains cut off from rest of the state for longer periods during winter. Once the Border Roads Organization makes the “Z” Morh Tunnel from Hung to Shitkari, Sonamarg will become one of the best all season tourist destinations. The S.D.A has some proposals in hand like construction of a Tourist Reception Centre, Yatri Niwas and Sonamarg Club etc. Development of a beautiful Camp site near Thajewas, Island Resort near Hung and Fish pond near Nilgrath etc are praise worthy steps taken by S.D.A for providing better facilities and picnic spots to intended day tourists but they must now discourage rising of such huge concrete dwellings in this picturesque resort. There is a need of paying more attention towards promotion of adventure tourism at Sonamarg for which natural facilities are available here.

Adventure Tourism is in fact thrust area in the tourism sector of our state. Sonamarg is an enchanting land of “Burf, Pani Aur Pahar”which are the basic ingredients for exciting, thrilling, fascinating and scintillating Extreme Mountain Sports. The people at helm of affair in the Schools, Colleges, Universities and NGOs etc must permit the student and non-student youths to make fullest use of these natural facilities. There is also a need of holding regular adventure training camps and expeditions at this Golden Meadow by these Institutions. This writer had moved a proposal to the University to conduct first-ever Adventure Expo-2008 for College and University students which was very kindly approved by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor but the Directorate of Physical Education ignored the orders. Should the orders were implemented various adventure activities like Rafting, Snow Skiing, Rock-Climbing, Mountain Biking, Zorbing, Paragliding, and trekking etc. would have been simultaneously conducted in which nearly 250 boys and girls were to participate. It would have helped state promote much needed adventure tourism here and the students would have been benefited in many ways. It was best opportunity for the University to earn name and fame in the field of adventure sports. It is also a daunting responsibility of Travel Agents and other tourism players to sell Sonamarg for youth tourism which offers following adventure sports products. Pertinently, Hon’ble Governor of J&K, Shri N.N. Vohra has been closely associated with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and has helped a lot in developing mountain sports in the country. The adventurers and explorers of the state have full hope that he would encourage adventure in this Himalayan state.

Trekking:

Sonamarg has a wild mountain beauty and offers wide variety of low and high altitude trekking. It is base for many treks with the duration ranging from 1 to 10 days. One can undertake a circular trek to Amarnath Cave; Bandipora; Gurez and Telail which can be further extended to Bandipora via Zadkhusi; Darss; Pahalgam via Yemhar pass and another via Kantar nag etc. A trek from Thajiwas leads to Kolahoi peak via Bear Valley, Baraf Sar and Rock Island. The most interesting is one to high altitude Himalayan lakes of Vishensar, Krishensar, Gadsar, Nundkol and Gangabal etc which are at height ranging from 11000 feet to 14000 feet above sea level and have bluish-green crystal clear water, well stocked with trout fish. There is no other place in the entire Himalayas which has more than 55 high altitude lakes within a distance of about 60 kilometers.

One can also undertake day treks from Sonamarg to Ludderwas, Eagle’s Nest, Nilgrath and Sarbal, Baltal, Amaranth cave, Lashi Pathri, Nichnai, Thajiwas, Zabnar, Hapatnar and Kazim ridge etc. Zabnar, 4040 mtr. high above sea level makes a splendid day walk and provides one of the finest view points in the area for peaks such as Nanga Parbat (also known as killer mountain situated in Gilgat), Nun & Kun peaks of Zanaskar massif, Amarnath and other peaks of Ladakh Himalayas.

Mountaineering:

Sonamarg is considered a mountaineering and rock climbing paradise. Some of the best mountaineering and rock-climbing is in Thajiwas or in the Sogput Dhar, a line of peaks west of the Nichnai Nar. The rock is igneous of the Punjab volcanic series. In the north of Sonamarg village, the summits are yellow and grey and dolomitic in appearance but utterly fragile and more resembling the scenery of Ladakh. There are some long and more technical rock faces at Shitkari as well where the High Altitude Warfare School is regularly conducting its training camps. Other organizations like Kashmir University, Tourism Department and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering have been active in the area for some time. The J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club have done pioneering work in the development of mountaineering in J&K since 1936 but are now totally defunct.

Thajiwas is also called “the valley of Glaciers”. Before independence there were six fairly well defined glaciers here but today we have few. Due to heat Glacier 5 has reduced to a tongue of ice into the main valley. These glaciers offer great challenge for Ice Climbing. Institutions and Clubs can teach different Ice-Crafting techniques to their trainees here. There are number of challenging peaks at Thajiwas which include Umbrella Peak, 4798 meters, Cefn Carnedo, 4800 meters, Innominate, 4900 meters, Mosquito peak, 4612 meter, Valehead peaks, 4758 meters, Crystal peak and Blade/Arrow, 4830 meters. Etc.

Winter Sports:

Sonamarg receives heavy snowfall during winter but unfortunately it remains cut off from rest of the state during winter due to frequent avalanches, rolling down the gullies and ridges from Shitkari to Gagangir area thereby making it impossible to conduct any winter sports activity here. A French skier, Sylvain Saudan, explored the area on helicopter nearly two decades back and found the area, particularly Gund and Kulun, ideal for Heli-Skiing. A large number of European Heli-Skiers have zoomed down here many virgin passes, ridges and long ski runs covered with fantastic powder snow.

In late April, May, June and July, it is possible to ski the whole Thajiwas Nar. Glacier 6 is not crevassed and provides good ski runs from April to July. Glacier 3 would make a fine ski-mountaineering expedition to the peaks “Valehead” and “Umbrella”. A Ski team, including the writer, of J&K Ski & Mountaineering Association (JKSMA) undertook first reconnaissance expedition to Thajiwas glaciers in May 1988. The team along with some Swiss experts also undertook ski tour to Hapatnar. The JKSMA organized yet another ski-touring and Paragliding demonstration in Sonamarg in May 2006 in collaboration with S.D.A. Besides writer, the other senior members of the Association, Rouf Tramboo, Firdous Khan, Mushtaq Pampori and Showkat Puttoo etc took part in this great demonstration. The then C.E.O, SDA, Mr. Nazir Ahmad extended his full support to the Association to make the event a grand success. The NDTV made a live coverage of this demonstration. Once the road to Sonamarg becomes all weather roads it will become second best ski resort of Himalayas after Gulmarg. There is also possibility of operating tobogganing, sledging, Snowboarding, Cross-Country skiing and other snow and Ice Sports in Sonamarg.

White Water Sports:

River Sindh in Sonamarg offers to host white water sports, such as rafting, kayaking and Canoeing, on its gushing waters from Baltal to Shitkari with Grade 1 to 4 rapids. One can further extend his rafting trip up to Ganderbal if he does portage at Hung/Shitkari for about 2 kilometers. Some huge rocks are lying in the middle of the river here, thus creating a big hazard and makes it impossible to run down the river in this stretch. Should someone arrange blasting of these huge rocks the river Sindh would offer one of the best and long commercials rafting/Kayaking trip straight from Baltal to Ganderbal passing through picturesque and lovely countryside of north Kashmir. The regular Rafting training courses were started first by the University of Kashmir from 1998. Some University trained students have participated in many National and International Rafting Championships in the past and some have started commercial rafting companies at Pahalgam and Sonamarg.

Other allied adventure sports:

Not only terrestrial sports, Sonamarg is ideal for aero and other allied sports. There is best and constant wind condition for Paragliding and Parasailing at Baltal, Sonamarg and Thajiwas areas. Paragliding is a competitive as well as adventure sport and can be played in summer and in winter too on snow slopes. It was first introduced in Sonamarg by J&KSMA with the help of a Swiss Aero Sports School in May 1988. The team took first flight from Glacier 2 to the Thajiwas base which was in fact first flight of its kind in the subcontinent. Paragliding was newly invented sport at those days. After a lapse of 18 years the Association organized second Paragliding demonstration at Sonamarg near JKTDC Dormitory in April 2006. Paragliding has now become a commercial tourist product at Sonamarg.

Sonamarg could also offer a host of many other allied adventure sports like Zorbing, Mountain Biking, Snow Cycling, Grass Skiing at Ludarwas and Sarbal, Angling (fishing) at different beats in river Sindh and high altitude lakes and Orienteering. Orienteering is a Cross-Country race involving map reading. Competitors make their way through unfamiliar mountain terrain using a compass and a topographical map. There is also possibility of introducing Scree Running in Krishensar/Vishensar areas. Scree is an accumulation of rock debris on a mountain or hill. Scree Running is a method of descending gravelly slope. There are a number of naturally groomed scree slopes with fine small loose stones on them.

The above established facts clearly prove that Sonamarg is an amazing and magnificent place for round the year adventures. No other resort has its comparison. Let us vow to protect this hidden treasure for our future generations.

Published in two parts on 2nd November, 2008 and 9th November, 2008 by Daily Rising Kashmir

Kashmir - World’s Best Place for Kayaking & Canoeing

By Mohamad Yousuf

Kayaks and canoes have been used for travel and transportation for hundreds of years by people of many cultures. Canadian Canoeing was started by Red Indians in North America and Kayaking by Eskimos. Other forms emerged as dug-out, outriggers in other parts of the world. The out-rigged dug out canoes are still used in Kerala and famous Shikara in Kashmir. Originally canoes and kayaks were built of such materials as wood (covered with bark) and whalebone (covered with animal skins) but now they are usually constructed of molded plastic and fiberglass and aluminum alloys etc. As a competitive sport canoeing was invented by John MacGregor of Scotland in 1866. Canoeing debuted at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris as a demonstration sport. It was included as a medal sport at the 1936 Olympic in Berlin. The International Canoe Federation founded in 1924 is the world wide canoeing organization and creates the standard rules for the different disciplines of canoe/kayak competitions. In India the sport is controlled by Kayaking and Canoeing Federation of India, led by Mr. Avinash Kohli. The J&K Kayaking and Canoeing Association is the umbrella organization of all state canoe clubs statewide. The JKKCA is ably led by Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal for last several decades.

Types/events of Kayaks/Canoes:

Kayaking and Canoeing are two different recognized Olympic paddle sports. These are emerging as one of the most popular water sports in the world. Flat water Kayaking is the use of a Kayak for moving across in still water. Kayaking is generally differentiated from Canoeing by the fact that a kayak has closed cockpit and a canoe has an open cockpit. In kayaking we use two bladed paddle whileas in canoeing we use one bladed paddle. Another major difference is in the way peddler sits in the boat. Kayakers sit in a seat on the bottom of the boat with their legs extended out in front of them. Canoeists will kneel directly on the bottom of the boat.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS:

Kayaking: 

Category              -          Length of Boat              -           Weight of Boat            -           Events/Distances

K1–Single

seat Kayak           -                 520cm                    -                  12 KG                    -        Men: 200m, 500m,1000m

                                                                                                                                            Women: 200 m, 500 m

K2–Double

seat Kayak           -                 650cm                    -                  18 KG                    -        Men: 200m, 500m, 1000m

                                                                                                                                            Women: 200 m, 500 m

K4–Four

seated Kayak       -                1100cm                   -                  30 KG                    -        Men: 200m, 500m, 1000m

                                                                                                                                            Women: 200 m, 500 m

Canoeing:

Category              -         Length of Boat               -          Weight of Boat             -           Events/Distances

C1-Single
kneeling canoe    -                 520cm                    -                  16 KG                    -        Men: 200m, 500m, 1000m

C2–Double
kneeling canoe    -                 650cm                    -                  20 KG                    -        Men: 200m, 500m, 1000m

C4–Four
persons kneeling      -
canoe                                       900cm                   -                  30 KG                    -        Men: 200m, 500m, 1000m

Growth of Kayaking and Canoeing in India:

Kayaking and canoeing which started in India in 1985 is a very young sport in India. The Special Area Games (SAG) spear headed the sport through Sports Authority of India centers at Allepy and Andaman and Nicobar for hand picked talented young boys and girls. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department imported the then state of art Olympic class flat and white water Kayaks and Canoes in 1987. The quality of boats remained unchanged even till Barcelona Olympics. Mr. Asaf Mehmood, the then Asstt. Director Tourism is considered the father of this sport in J&K, who struggled hard for promoting this sport in Kashmir. Under his supervision the first two national championships were held in Srinagar.

Jammu And Kashmir State has in fact done pioneering work in introducing and developing this Olympic sport in India and is known as the father of modern Kayaking and Canoeing in India. First two National Championships were consecutively organized in Dal Lake, Srinagar in 1988 and 1989. Teams from Andaman and Nicobar, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir took part in inaugural championships. Technique of boat handling, paddling and racing to the participants was imparted in Dal Lake itself, as only Sports Authority of India teams were fully trained under SAG scheme. Kashmir has produced many ace kayakers and canoeists. Zahoor Ahamd, Farooq Ahmad and Miss Bilkis etc have brought laurels for J&K after winning number of medals in the National level competitions. Zahoor has also represented India in an International level Championship. Miss Bilkis has become first Kashmiri lady Coach to lead Indian team in an International Championship.

It is heartening that the J&K Police has recently procured 24 modern kayaks/Canoes which has added to the fleet of boats available in Kashmir.

Escalation of Kayaking and Canoeing in Indian Universities:

On the persuasion of Kashmir University the kayaking and canoeing were recognized by the All India Inter-University Board of Sports as a competitive sporting discipline in summer 1998 in a meeting held at Annamalai University. Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Tarzan, Director Physical Education attended this historic meeting as a special invitee to brief the members about these sports and to get the proposal through by the Board.

It was a cherished desire of the Directorate of Physical Education, Kashmir University to organize the first-ever All India Inter-University Kayaking and Canoeing Championship in Srinagar but to their dismay the then Vice-Chancellor did not allow them to host it. The First All India Championship (Men and Women) was then organized by Kerala University at Sports Authority of India Water Sports Centre, Allepay in winter 1998. Just four Universities i.e. Kerala, Kumaun, Mahatma Gandhi and Osmania took part. There were only two teams in Women Section. Surprisingly the then Vice-Chancellor, Kashmir University did not even allow them to field its team in this historic Championship. Kerala University organized this inaugural championship at very low profile and competitions were held just in 8 events of 200 meters each. Kerala University lifted the championship trophy after winning all the eight gold medals followed by Osmania and Kumaun Universities.

In the year 1999 the All India Inter-University championship could not be conducted as none of the Indian Universities came forward to host the Championship. The second Inter-University championship was hosted by the pioneer Kashmir University on the waters of famous Dal Lake in October 2000, which coincided with the celebration of “Millennium Year”. The equipment was loaned from J&K Youth Services and Sports, which was transferred to them, from Tourism Department. The championship attracted five Universities i.e. Kerala, Kashmir, Kumaun, Barkatullah (Bhopal) and Osmania. After winning maximum medals the host Kashmir University lifted the Championship trophy. Competitions were held in all the 21 Olympic events

From 2001 to 2005 none of the Indian Universities could host this championship perhaps due to lack of infrastructure. After a gap of five years the Punjabi University, Patiala hosted 3rd Inter-University Championship at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, which attracted 21 Universities from all over the country. Two students of Kashmir University, Walayant Hussain Tinda and Vilayat Hussain Sofi won three bronze medals in C1 and C2 events. Both these boys were later awarded a cash prize of Rs. 5,000/- per person by Kashmir University. They also got national scholarships @ Rs.10, 200/- for their best performance.

4th All India Inter-University Championship in Srinagar:

After a gap of 7 long years the Kashmir University organized the 4th All India Inter-University championship at Nageen Lake in Srinagar last year. The University had received entries from 26 teams but unfortunately only 8 Men and 6 Women teams took part. This was possible only when the University had procured its own equipment worth Rs 9 lakhs. This time competitions were held in 24 Olympic events as C4 was first time introduced in the Inter- University competitions? The championship coincided with the celebration of “National Water Yewar-2007”. The message carried by the Championship was “Water is elixir of life-Save it, save it for future generations”. Kashmir University Canoeing team bagged 1 gold 2 silver and 3 bronze medals. Punjabi University Patiala lifted the overall champion trophy.

Revival of Kashmir University Lake Cub:

After purchasing modern and most sophisticated 24 kayaks / Canoes, 60 training class paddles, 14 imported paddles and some life jackets the Directorate of Physical Education, Kashmir University revived its Lake Club. The Club recently organized first-ever Inter-College Kayaking and Canoeing Championship at Nageen Water Sports Centre of Tourism Department in which 6 colleges and P.G Deptt of Law participated, which included Islamia, Amar Singh, Gandhi, Sopore and Bemina Colleges. Islamia College lifted the Championship trophy. The Championship received wide coverage in print and electronic media as it coincided with the celebration of “World Tourism Day” The students who performed extremely well in the said championship have been selected to represent Kashmir University in the forthcoming 5th All India Inter-University Championship to be held in Kerala during Autumn/winter this year. The selected team will undergo an intensive and rigorous coaching camp prior to its participation in the Inter-University championship.

Published in two parts. First part appeared on 12th October, 2008 and Second part appeared on 19th October, 2008 in Daily Rising Kashmir, Srinagar