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

Adventure Sports - That Shapes Youth

By Mohamad Yousuf

There are many kinds of adventure sports like Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski-Mountaineering, Snowboarding, mountaineering, long distance skating, channel swimming, Paragliding, parasailing, micro light flying, air surfing, hot air ballooning, sky diving, hang gliding, bungee jumps, zorbing, wild water Rafting and Kayaking, mountain cycling, high altitude trekking, cave exploration, motor sports, desert safari, and under water exploration etc. Some of these are also called “Extreme Sports”. Many of them are also called as “Mountain Sports”.

Men have always wanted to climb to the mountain tops and go deep in the oceans. The spirit of adventure and desire to know about things and places has led them to do so. Adventure activities were undertaken in the ancient times too but it gained momentum in recent years. Most of the adventure sports are also used for warfare purposes. It is admitted fact that these sports are vital part of one’s all round development and an important area of man’s cultural heritage. There is no other thought that a sport is a science of outdoors where a person is exposed to the hardships of life.

Reasons for Undertaking Adventure

Adventure sports are important component and integral part of general education. Without sports educational system is incomplete. As much importance is attached to sports as to life outdoors. There may be a number of reasons as to why people take to Mountain Sports in our country but I think the most appropriate is that they are “fully alive on the mountains”. It is a way of living, acting and thinking together with a fraternity of people who seek high adventure in the high places. It brings about complete mental, emotional and spiritual integration. Some of us do it because we want to test physical endurance. Companionship is strong motivation too. Mountaineers stay in close touch and this chance for lasting friendship lifts mountaineering above other sports. Society makes relationship superficial; mountaineering deepens them because “shared adversity has a lot to do. Adventure makes youth resourceful and teaches them to face difficulties. Adventure sports are not only a source of thrill, excitement and joy but it also provides a valuable opportunity for developing such traits so as to prepare youngsters for facing challenges against all odds confidently. This provides a creative and happy outlet for the abundant energy, enthusiasm and imagination of the youth. These are unique sports which also teach self-discipline and strengthen one’s faith. The boy or girl, who knows how to rule his or her servant, here learns how to serve others.

Growth of Adventure

A trip to mountains has a soothing effect on soul. “Why do you go to climb the Everest” was once asked from Late Mallory. His precise reply was “because it is there”. Another noted hiker remarks, “sometime you must get out of the bustle of the city. The more you go the more peaks will call you”. These sports are becoming increasingly popular amongst the youth allover the world, and have gained world wide recognition as an activity, which contributes most significantly to the harmonious development of the youth. These sports are also catching up fast among the youth of our country. Besides number of climbing, skiing and allied sports institutes, hundreds of adventure clubs are operating in the country for promotion of these scintillating sports among student and non student youth. ***These sports have tremendous potential in tourism sector. These are in fact job oriented sports. A trained person can start his travel agency, or work as Mountain/River Guide, Ski Instructor etc. and can earn his livelihood soon after completing his studies. Many boys who were trained to adventure sports by Kashmir University could find jobs abroad.

Training Institutions

There are some Institutions and Travel Agencies in Kashmir which are conducting and initiating preliminary and advanced training camps for the local youth at different health resorts in the valley. The prominent among them are Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Gulmarg, Jawahir Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports, Tourism Department (Kashmir), University of Kashmir, Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, Adventure Call Tours and Travels, Srinagar etc. Their motive for going through with these activities is to expose the youth of the sate to nature, hardships and hazards which undoubtedly in turn builds 8Cs i.e. Character, confidence, courage, coordination, cooperation, camaraderie, competence and spirit of competition.

While training youth to adventure one must ensure professional competence, adequate safety and proper infrastructure. There is need of encouraging these healthy outdoor pursuits among our youth through Schools, Colleges, Universities, voluntary Clubs, Associations and NGOs. Not only imparting training in adventure the participants must be aware about preservation of flora, fauna and avi-fauna of the state. They must also be trained to First-aid, rescue work, high altitude sickness, navigation, survival in the mountains

Schemes for Financial Assistance

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the University Grants Commission have taken up Schemes under which financial assistance is provided to voluntary organizations and educational institutes for promoting adventure sports. It is felt necessary that every school/ college/University of the country must organize adventure activities for their students, which would certainly create and foster amongst them a spirit of risk-taking, cooperative team work, the capacity to ready and vital response to challenging situations and of endurance. This will also provide a creative and happy outlet for the abundant energy, enthusiasm and imagination of the youth.

The article was published on 29th September, 2008 Daily Rising Kashmir, Srinagar.

Growth Of Rafting In Kashmir

By Obaid Yousuf

Growth of Amateur Rafting:

The Amateur River Rafting was introduced in Kashmir province by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, University of Kashmir, Srinagar way back in 2000. After thorough scouting and exploration of upper reaches of Sindh stream, the University conducted training camps for its students on the stretch extending from Baltal to Shutkari with the grades of difficulty 1 to 4. Nearly 90 students were trained every year to this thrilling sport with the assistance of J&K Tourism Department. The University Grants Commission had allotted a Nodal Centre for development of adventure sports to Kashmir University which provided sufficient funds to the University for running river rafting. No doubt nearly 15 years back the Tourism Department arranged initial training for some of its Raft Guides here but the regular training courses were conducted by Kashmir University and did pioneering work in escalating the sport here. The University is now regularly participating in the National Rafting Championship organized by the River Runners Association of India and Indian Rafting Foundation on the treacherous waters of River Ganges, Indus, Zanaskar and Sutlej from time to time.

With the growth of this sport in Kashmir, some University students formed a voluntary association to develop and control it in J&K state in 2004 under the supervision of Dr. K.A. Tarzan, Director Sports, Kashmir University and Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, University Aquatics and Adventure Sports Coach. In the year 2005 a permanent body of the association was elected and in 2006 the association was recognized be the Indian Rafting Foundation, New Delhi. In 2008 a new executive body was elected with Mr. Farooq Shah, Director Tourism as its President and Mr. Ahsan-ul-Haq Banday as its General Secretary.

With the formation of state level association in Srinagar the University students (now the members of Association) got the opportunity to participate regularly in India Cup from 2004 to 2007, organized by the Indian Rafting Foundation on River Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh. In the year 2007 the Tourism Department organized first state Rafting Championship in collaboration with the Association on Lidder stream at Pahalgam. This gave a chance to large number of local rafters to participate in any championship. Nearly eight teams of different areas of the state took part.

It is highly appreciating that in 2005 the University team took part in National Rafting Championship held in river Zanaskar and Indus in Ladakh. This was the only civilian team in the championship; all others were from the forces. In 2006 the team, sponsored by the Association, took part in 3rd National Championship held on River Ganges at Rishikesh. The J&K team was declared the ‘Best Sporting team’. Again in 2007 the J&K team took part in 4th National Championship held in Leh, Ladakh. The J&K Police team, an affiliated Unit of the Association, performed extremely well in the championship and bagged 3rd position in the Head to Head event. Being the host state, the J&K is fielding four teams i.e. J&K Rafting Association (A and B teams), J&K Police and Tourism Department, in the present 1st Kashmir Cup International Rafting Championship to be held at Sonamarg in July 2008.

Advent of Commercial Rafting in Kashmir:

River Rafting is considered an important segment of adventure tourism. Day long or lesser period pleasure rafting rides are provided to the common tourists and enthusiasts on different rivers in several countries. Some expert companies even organize major rafting expeditions on more challenging rivers. The commercial rafting was conducting in many other Himalayan states of India like Himachal Pradesh, Utter Pradesh, West Bengal and Karnataka but this kind of rafting was not launched in J&K, though we have world best rivers here.

With a view to provide best recreation for the intended tourists the Highland Excursion Pvt. Ltd introduced commercial rafting on Lidder stream at Pahalgam, Kashmir in the 2004. The then Tourism Minister Jenab Ghulam Hassan Mir inaugurated this newly introduced adventure tourism product. He himself run down nearly 2 Km stretch and accepted that the river rafting has tremendous potential in the state. Next year one more company namely Karakoram Explorers started commercial rafting on Sindh Stream in Sonamarg, Kashmir. Jenab Ghulam Hassan Mir, Tourism Minister inaugurated the Sonamarg rafting as well. Today we have 13 commercial rafting companies in the valley which are operating rafting at different stretches on Sindh and Lidder streams. The list of those companies is as under:

1)  Highland Excursions Pvt Ltd, Srinagar

2)  Adventure Call Tours and Travels, Srinagar

3)  Holiday Adventures, Srinagar

4)  Possible Adventures, Srinagar

5)  Karakoram Explorers, Srinagar

6)  River and Rafts, Srinagar

7)  Snowman Adventures, Srinagar

8)  Arbat Travels, Anantnag

9)  Thrill Factor, Anantnag

10)  Mountain Magic Trek and Travels, Pahalgam

11)  Himalayan Tours, Pahalgam

12)  International Tours, Pahalgam

13)  Sheeshnag Tours, Pahalgam

Commercial rafting is growing fast in the valley but the mushroom growth of companies has caused saturation in the tr4ade. This year due to political developments the companies had tremendous loss. There is a need of introducing commercial rafting in other water bodies as well. The Tourism Department has to firmly control rafting as otherwise the non professional companies could bring ridicule to the sport.

Training Camps:

Besides Kashmir University, the Tourism Department (Kashmir) is now regularly organizing training camps for the local boys at different places in the state which include lower Jhelum (Uri), river Suru (Kargil) and Chinab (Derababa, Jammu). In order to popularize the sport among school going students the Biscoe group of Schools is also allowing its students for pleasure rafting trips.

Water Bodies suitable for Rafting in J&K State:

1)  Lidder stream at Pahalgam, Batakot and Kenner Kashmir

2)  Sindh Stream at Sonamarg, and Mamar, Kashmir

3)  Lower Jhelum, Uri, Kashmir

4)  River Kishenganga, Gurez, Kashmir

5)  River Chinab, Jammu

6)  River Drass, Drass, Kargil, Ladakh

7)  River Suru, Kargil, Ladakh

8)  River Indus, Leh, Ladakh

9)  River Zanaskar, Ladakh etc

Published in the Souvenir "Sindh" brought out by J&K Rafting Association in July 2008.

Growth of Rafting in Kashmir

By Obaid Yousuf

Growth of Amateur Rafting

The Amateur River Rafting was introduced in Kashmir province by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, University of Kashmir, Srinagar way back in 2000. After thorough scouting and exploration of upper reaches of Sindh stream, the University conducted training camps for its students on the stretch extending from Baltal to Shutkari with the grades of difficulty 1 to 4. Nearly 90 students were trained every year to this thrilling sport with the assistance of J&K Tourism Department. The University Grants Commission had allotted a Nodal Centre for development of adventure sports to Kashmir University which provided sufficient funds to the University for running river rafting. No doubt nearly 15 years back the Tourism Department arranged initial training for some of its Raft Guides here but the regular training courses were conducted by Kashmir University and did pioneering work in escalating the sport here. The University is now regularly participating in the National Rafting Championship organized by the River Runners Association of India and Indian Rafting Foundation on the treacherous waters of River Ganges, Indus, Zanaskar and Sutlej from time to time.

With the growth of this sport in Kashmir, some University students formed a voluntary association to develop and control it in J&K state in 2004 under the supervision of Dr. K.A. Tarzan, Director Sports, Kashmir University and Mr. Mohammad Yusuf, University Aquatics and Adventure Sports Coach. In the year 2005 a permanent body of the association was elected and in 2006 the association was recognized be the Indian Rafting Foundation, New Delhi. In 2008 a new executive body was elected with Mr. Farooq Shah, Director Tourism as its President and Mr. Ahsan-ul-Haq Banday as its General Secretary.

With the formation of state level association in Srinagar the University students (now the members of Association) got the opportunity to participate regularly in India Cup from 2004 to 2007, organized by the Indian Rafting Foundation on River Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh. In the year 2007 the Tourism Department organized first state Rafting Championship in collaboration with the Association on Lidder stream at Pahalgam. This gave a chance to large number of local rafters to participate in any championship. Nearly eight teams of different areas of the state took part.

It is highly appreciating that in 2005 the University team took part in National Rafting Championship held in river Zanaskar and Indus in Ladakh. This was the only civilian team in the championship; all others were from the forces. In 2006 the team, sponsored by the Association, took part in 3rd National Championship held on River Ganges at Rishikesh. The J&K team was declared the ‘Best Sporting team’. Again in 2007 the J&K team took part in 4th National Championship held in Leh, Ladakh. The J&K Police team, an affiliated Unit of the Association, performed extremely well in the championship and bagged 3rd position in the Head to Head event. Being the host state, the J&K is fielding four teams i.e. J&K Rafting Association (A and B teams), J&K Police and Tourism Department, in the present 1st Kashmir Cup International Rafting Championship to be held at Sonamarg in July 2008.

Advent of Commercial Rafting in Kashmir

River Rafting is considered an important segment of adventure tourism. Day long or lesser period pleasure rafting rides are provided to the common tourists and enthusiasts on different rivers in several countries. Some expert companies even organize major rafting expeditions on more challenging rivers. The commercial rafting was conducting in many other Himalayan states of India like Himachal Pradesh, Utter Pradesh, West Bengal and Karnataka but this kind of rafting was not launched in J&K, though we have world best rivers here.

With a view to provide best recreation for the intended tourists the Highland Excursion Pvt. Ltd introduced commercial rafting on Lidder stream at Pahalgam, Kashmir in the 2004. The then Tourism Minister Jenab Ghulam Hassan Mir inaugurated this newly introduced adventure tourism product. He himself run down nearly 2 Km stretch and accepted that the river rafting has tremendous potential in the state. Next year one more company namely Karakoram Explorers started commercial rafting on Sindh Stream in Sonamarg, Kashmir. Jenab Ghulam Hassan Mir, Tourism Minister inaugurated the Sonamarg rafting as well. Today we have 13 commercial rafting companies in the valley which are operating rafting at different stretches on Sindh and Lidder streams. The list of those companies is as under:

1. Highland Excursions Pvt Ltd, Srinagar

2. Adventure Call Tours and Travels, Srinagar

3. Holiday Adventures, Srinagar

4. Possible Adventures, Srinagar

5. Karakoram Explorers, Srinagar

6. River and Rafts, Srinagar

7. Snowman Adventures, Srinagar

8. Arbat Travels, Anantnag

9. Thrill Factor, Anantnag

10. Mountain Magic Trek and Travels, Pahalgam

11. Himalayan Tours, Pahalgam

12. International Tours, Pahalgam

13. Sheeshnag Tours, Pahalgam

Commercial rafting is growing fast in the valley but the mushroom growth of companies has caused saturation in the tr4ade. This year due to political developments the companies had tremendous loss. There is a need of introducing commercial rafting in other water bodies as well. The Tourism Department has to firmly control rafting as otherwise the non professional companies could bring ridicule to the sport.

Training Camps

Besides Kashmir University, the Tourism Department (Kashmir) is now regularly organizing training camps for the local boys at different places in the state which include lower Jhelum (Uri), river Suru (Kargil) and Chinab (Derababa, Jammu). In order to popularize the sport among school going students the Biscoe group of Schools is also allowing its students for pleasure rafting trips.

Water Bodies Suitable for Rafting in J&K State:

1. Lidder stream at Pahalgam, Batakot and Kenner Kashmir

2. Sindh Stream at Sonamarg, and Mamar, Kashmir

3. Lower Jhelum, Uri, Kashmir

4. River Kishenganga, Gurez, Kashmir

5. River Chinab, Jammu

6. River Drass, Drass, Kargil, Ladakh

7. River Suru, Kargil, Ladakh

8. River Indus, Leh, Ladakh

9. River Zanaskar, Ladakh etc

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

Published in the Souvenir “Sindh” brought out by the J&K Rafting Association on the occasion of 1st Kashmir Cup International Rafting Championship in July 2008

Skiing Eight Months In Kashmir

By Mohamad Yousuf

Pirpanjal Range:

Alpine Skiing comes to an abrupt end when the Tourism Department officially close its Puma Ski lifts at Gulmarg in the first week of April every year, unaware of the fact that skiing is possible at Kongdori and its surrounds up to late May. We have few nursery ski runs at Kongdori and Khilanmarg (Gulmarg) eve, where basics of skiing can be taught to novices. This was proved by the University of Kashmir when t hey organized a 14 day long Basic Ski Course for 30 girls of different Colleges and Post-Graduate Departments. This was first regular course conducted by any organization at Kongdori. Some private ski guides are now also imparting basic skills to the day tourists here. This has thus extended the length of duration of skiing season at Gulmarg. Pirpanjal range offer dozens of dozens of skiing spots. One can even undertake ski-touring from Gulmarg to Mount, Sunset, Mount Sunrise and Mount Tatakoti etc in the vicinity of Yusmarg health resort. At the moment winter activities are limited to Gulmarg bowl only which at best is still a beginners resort.

A few teams have attempted Ski-touring (winter trekking on skis) and Snowboarding trips from Gulmarg to Yusmarg area. The people who don’t have knowledge of ski-touring are unnecessarily bothering the foreign tourists. The teams which go for two or three day long wilderness skiing are declared to have got lost in the mountains by such people and raise hue and cry for their rescue. If the conditions are conducive one can even trek to other side of Kashmir on skis from Gulmarg. Like having trade ties with Pakistan, the Government must think of promoting cross-border adventures as is done in the Alps by many European countries. It is not only downhill skiing at fixed resorts that constitute the thrill. The real adventure is going across the hills and mountains. The need is to exploit this part of adventure which involves the least investment compared to fixed resorts.

Ski-Mountaineering:

One of the latest adventure sports to catch the fancy of experts in both skiing and mountaineering is “Ski-Mountaineering” or “Ski-Touring”. This sport is popularly known as “Ski-Du-Randone” in Europe. It involves going over mountains with special ski gear. This sport is sort of cross-country or backpacking but on higher scale and altitude. Skiers go from daylong ski –touring to even weeklong or still longer expeditions, camping during night either in tents or provisional shelters like Gujar huts and igloos. This is sort of winter trekking and the best way to combine views of magnificent mountains scenery in winter with the thrill of skiing on virgin and longer ski runs with more degree of difficulty. In view of the over development of traditional ski resorts where one has to stand for hours in a line to get a trip on ski-lift, this sport is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, America and Australia and the adventurers are looking for newer areas to explore. In 1980s this sport was also popular in Kashmir but during turmoil it could not continue as it was not possible for enthusiasts to go to mountains and high passes. The Jammu and Kashmir state in this context has extensive possibilities which have hitherto remain completely unexploited. Development of this sport involves the least investment as no sophisticated ski-lifts, snow packing machines and hotels etc are required. Only some shelter huts have to be constructed in some known routes. The best period for ski-touring in Pirpanjal and Lidder valleys of Kashmir is from mi March to end May, while as this activity can be undertaken up to July in Sindh valley particularly at Thajewas area of Sonamarg. Summer skiing on glaciers could be a new challenge for enthusiasts. The snow condition is very hard is the morning till about 123 noon. One has to start very early in the morning about 4.30 to 5.30 am and finish the days trip by 12 noon, as otherwise skis will sink in slushy snow. Ski-mountaineering which has become popular in west particularly the Alps, combines the tenacity and stamina required for cross-country skiing with the thrill of making long runs downhill on skis. The skier has to brave low temperatures during night and very high temperatures during day. Carte of avalanches is always to be taken. Machoi Glacier at Matayan region of Drass in Ladakh also has the possibility of summer skiing till late summer .

Ski Expeditions in Kashmir Himalayas:

The first organized ski-mountaineering expedition which came to Kashmir was a four member United State team in 1977. All the four were professional Cross-Country Ski Instructors from Oregon. This team also undertook a weeklong ski trip from Gulmarg to Shopian before they crossed into Wadvan valley or Kishtwar Himalayas over Margan pass and made another ten days trip to Panikhar in Suru valley of Zanaska r Himalayas (Ladakh). The team used cross-country ski with special steel edges. During early 1980s some FITs from France and Australia came to Gulmarg who undertook weeklong scrambling around the mountains in Gulmarg. In 1980 the first reconnaissance expedition to Lidder valley in Pahalgam was undertaken by two Kashmiri explorers, this writer and his friend Mehraj-ud-Din, travel agent. They could not continue beyond Aru because of inferior equipment. In 1982 they purchased modern ski-mountaineering equipment and made yet another reconnaissance to same valley,. This time they were able to reach up to the snout of Kolahoi glacier. Their effort, however, was pioneering one as no expedition has attempted this feast before on skis. In the year 1984 this writer led a seven member ski-mountaineering expedition to Lidder and Sindh valleys of Kashmir which was sponsored by the J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club, Srinagar. The other members of the expedition were Mehraj-ud-Din, Abdul Hameed Shah, G.M. Dar, Fayaz Ahmad Bala, Bashir Ahmad and Gh. Hassan Lone. It was first-ever major ski-mountaineering expedition in the area. The team crossed Sunmous Pass on 10th January in extremely bad weather which is still a record. Later, M/S Mountain Journeys, a local travel agency sold this tourist product in Europe and some foreign ski-mountaineering groups started to undertake such unique adventures in Kashmir Himalayas. The J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association launched first-ever ski-touring expedition to Holy Amarnathji cave in the year 1985. The team led by again this writer comprised of top 15 skiers of the state. The expedition was financed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Due to avalanches, rolling down the gullies in this treacherous route, the team had to abandon the expedition. Again in the year 1988 the J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association organized an International Ski-mountaineering expedition to Lidder valley. The team, led by Rudolf Christine, consis ted of eight professional Mountain Guides of Australia, Switzerland, Australia and Sweden. Four Kashmiri skiers also took part in this historic expedition. The team spent nearly three weeks at Sekiwas, Lidderwat and Kolahoi areas where they explored many other adjacent areas suit able for extreme skiing. They swished across many surrounding valleys and zoomed down a number of virgin ski slopes and difficult ridges here. This expedition inspired many European countries to send their ski expeditions to Kashmir. In May 1989 the Austria sent an expedition of 30 skiers, led by Wolfgang Pointer. One Kashmiri skier (the writer) also accompanied the team as Guide, who had extensively explored the area earlier. The, besides, skiing down many high passes and ridges climbed Mount Kolahoi, which was perhaps the first winter ascent of Mt. Kolahoi. During the same period of more expedition from Switzerland, consisting of ten top skiers and led by Rudolf Christine, was venturing in the area. They too climbed Mount Kohaloi after Austrian ascent. Later the Swiss team undertook ski-touring at Thajewas glacier. This was first exploration in Sonamarg area. The skied many glaciers and some surrounding peaks here including Hapath Nar and Kazim ridge. The team was accompanied by this writer as a local guide. One of the members also flew from Thajewas 2nd to base on a Para glider. It was first time that the Paragliding was introduced in Sub-Continent. The District Winter Games Association, Srinagar launched first-ever ski-touring expedition to Mount Mahadev of Zabarvan range in Srinagar some year back, which was organized under the aegis of J&K Winter Gamers Association and was financed by the J&K State Sports Council. To raise necessary infrastructure for conducting skiing till late June in Mahadev area the Association had requested the then Director-General Tourism, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf to construct some shelter huts in the area so that so skiing could be made popular in Srinagar district as well but the request was not considered. Instead he pushed more and more Heli-Skiers into this unknown and magnificent skiing area. The J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association organized a summer skiing programme at Sonamarg In late May 2006 in collaboration with the Sonamarg Development Authority in which 25 skiers of Kashmir University and some veteran skiers took part. The activity received wide coverage in the print and electronic media. The NDTV gave a live telecast of this thrilling demonstration. It clearly proved that skiing in Kashmir is possible for eight months. This was the time when the entire country was sweating with scorching heat and we the Kashmiri were still zooming down the covered slopes. The summer skiing has tremendous potential in tourist trade but should someone lay necessary infrastructure like construction of huts at higher reaches and make available the ski gear at these places. Laying some ski-lifts will add charm to the resort.

Published in Souvenir "Gulmarg" brought out by the Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of 5th National Winter Games held at Gulmarg from 17th to 22nd Feb, 2008.

Get Together In Calgary

By Mohammad Yousuf and Fayaz Ahmad Bala

Winter Sports can be said to have originated from Norway where skiing of planks, tied under the feet, was used as a way of getting about and later it developed into a way of having fun. With the addition of more events winter sports were given the Olympic status.

First Winter Olympic Games came into being in 1924 when an International Sports Week held at Chamonix in France, under the patronage of International Olympic Committee, was accorded the title of First Olympic Winter Games. There were 13 events in this Olympic and294 athletes from 16 countries participated. After this the Winter Games continued to be organized after every four years coinciding with the year in which Summer Games are being held.. From 1940 ro 1946 the Games could not be conducted due to World War II. However, after 1948 these were held regularly and many new events were included.

Second Winter Olympic Games were held in 1928 at Saint Maurice, Switzerland. Third in 1932 at Lake Placid, USA. Bobsleigh was introduced in this Olympics. Fourth was held in 1936 at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The 4X10 Km Cross-Country event was introduced in this Olympics. Fifth in 1948 at Saint Maurice, Switzerland and Slalom and Downhill events were introduced Sixth Olympics was held in 1952 at Oslo, Norway. Giant Slalom and 10 Km Cross-Country events were introduced. Seventh Olympics was held at Cortina d’Ampezoo, Italy in 1956. The 30 Km Cross-Country and 4X5 Km Relay events were introduced. Eight was held in 1960 at Squaw Valley, USA in in which Biathlon and Speed Skating of 500 mtrs, 1000 mtrs. 1500 mtrs and 3000 mtrs for women were introduced. Ninth was held at Innsbruck, Austria in 1964 and Luge, Ski Jumping (90 Mtrs) and 5 Km Cross-Country events for women were introduced. Tenth was held at Grenoble, France in 1968. Biathlon Relay was included in this Olympics. Eleventh was held in 1972 at Sapporo, Japan. Twelfth was held at Innsbruck, Austria in 1976 Thirteenth was conducted at Lake Placid, USA in 1980 in which 1000 mtrs Speed Skating has been introduced and Fourteenth was held at Sarajevo, Yugoslavia in 1984.

The Motto

15th Olympic Winter Games will be opened on 13th Feb. 1988 at Calgary, Canada. “Get together in Calgary” is motto of the Games. Two cute polar-bear cubs, named Hindy and Hondy are mascots of this Olympics. Calgary is adjacent to the spectacular Rocky Mountains of Canada. The resort has a population of about 6.4 lacs. It is famous for its special brand of western hospitality and multi-faceted cultural community. Millions of spectators will see the competitions featuring world class 2000 athletes from over 40 countries. The events would be simultaneously telecast from Moscow, San Francisco and Calgary. Superb new facilities have been constructed at each of the five major sports venues in and near Calgary. All the venues have already been tried out with a series of pre-Olympic events. A numbers of engineering innovations have been employed to make the games independent of weather which often causes trouble in that part of Canada. All open air facilities including the ski jumps are being furnished with snow making equipment.

According to a press report 1,000 million dollars have been estimated as cost for organizing the Calgary Olympics. Mr. Billpratt, President of the Organizing Committee has said that the profits, if any, made from the Games will be spent on maintaining the Olympic sports facilities and centers.

The colorful opening and closing ceremonies would be held at famous McMahon stadium of Calgary. The city streets have been adorned by ice sculptures. International exposition of Sports stamps is being organized for interest of philatelists and large Canadian books have been kept for display. There would also be an Olympic Carnival and the Art Festival, which has already started from 23rd January.

The Torch Rally of 10,656 Kms has started from the town of Saint John’s in Nov. 1987. It is being carried across all ten provinces and territories of Canada coming to end on 13th Feb. at Calgary, coinciding with the date of commencement of the games.

Travelling arrangements and accommodation for Olympians and official delegates has already been pre-fixed. The Calgary University Campus will serve as the main Olympic village. The Organizing Committee has employed about 400 hostesses to cater to day-to-day needs of the participants. It has been agreed for the first time that IOC will reimburse 45 dollars a day charges for food and accommodation from every official delegate for up to 22 days. Food packs would be provided to those who cannot find time for meals before practice session ro events. Round the clock catering services would be available le at Olympic villages.

The Events

The XV Olympics will feature events in 10 official Olympic events, three demonstration sports and events and two disabled skiing exhibitions.

Ice-Hockey: daily games with two teams competing within two pools of six teams. The matches will be played on league basis. Intra-division winners will play off against each other in the final medal round of play aggregate points in the final round shall determine medal standings. The matches will be played at Olympic Saddledome and stampede Corral indoor stadiums. Figure Skating: competitions will be held in men’s and ladies singles; ice dancing (compulsory figure, short programme, free skating). Free Skating: competitions are evaluated by competing nations’ appointed judges. Average scores are added to determine medal standings. Ski Jumping: points are awarded, based on distance and jumping style. Competitions include 70 mtrs and 90 mtrs ski jumping. Nordic combined, combines points earned in ski jumping with points earned in across country ski race. Ski jumping points determine start times in the Cross-Country race and standings are determined by final skiing position. Bobsleigh is the team completion. Team “drives” an enclosed sled down a serpentine ice-covered course. Combined elapsed times determine team medal results. The Calgary naturbann Luge and Bobsleigh track has 14 challenging curves and has 48 sections. Bobsleigh athlete s will reach speed of 135Kph over 1480 meter In Luge competitions are held in singles and doubles. Races lying on their backs are their legs and shoulders to steer an open sled down an iced, refrigerated course. The sled has some resemblance with the one we use in Gulmarg. Luge athletes reach speed of 115 Kph over 1086 mtrs. Combined elapsed times determine individual standings. Alpine ski competitors ski down gates courses in the shortest time. Downhill race is the fastest and most dangerous event. Biathlon is the combination of cross country skiing and rifle shooting competition. Cross-Country skiers cover a prescribed course in a designated technique in the shortest possible time. Skis are different than the alpine skis. Speed skaters race in pairs, against time, on 400 meter Oval track. Curling, free skiing and short track speed skating are demonstration sports and events. There would also be exhibition on blind cross country skiing and disabled alpine skiing.

Indian Participation

While everything is set at Calgary for holding XV Olympics, India is still in the process of selecting its team for participation in different ski events. This will be for the first time that the country will be represented in Winter Olympics. The trials for selecting the team were scheduled to be conducted on 27th and 28th January this year at Gulmarg. However, the selection trials were delayed as majority of the ace skiers of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have boycotted and protested against the belated idea of choosing the team. Surprisingly the Winter Games Federation of India informed some limited ski clubs to depute their 3 skiers for the selection trails at a short notice. Most of the ace skiers were unaware of the selection trials, as there was no proper advertisement and publicity made in the national media. As a result of this many good skiers have been deprived from participating in the competitions. In fact, the team should have been chosen at least two years before the event so that selected team could have received intensive coaching. Instead of this the God Fathers of winter sports in India have woke up at the last moment with the sole purpose to create the possibility of foreign trip rather than bringing laurels to the country. The better course would have been to send the team after conducting the National Games and making selection out of those who could have come out from those competitions. The promising skiers of the state criticized the role of WGFI in the development of winter sports.

Skiers from prominent organization, namely Jammu and Kashmir Ski and Mountaineering Association which had actively participated in the 1st National Winter Games in 1986 and had fielded largest contingent in all skiing events were kept out of the selection trials and their several pleas to the WGFI for prior information with regard to holding of Olympic selection trials were ignored.

It has been demanded that the Federation overseeing the activities of Winter Games in India should be based in Kashmir rather that at Bombay. The Federation should comprise of sportsmen who have done pioneering work in the promotion of winter sports in the country and are purely of civilian nature. Should the authorities concerned give a serious thought to the development of winter sports we shall be able to quantum leap forward and enhance our facilities on the country’s premier arena for action packed skiing in Gulmarg?

The article was published in daily Kashmir Time on 7th February, 1988. The co-author Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Bala is a KAS officer, presently working as Secretary, J&K Housing Board. Mr. Fayaz is an avid adventurer and has participated and led several climbing expeditions in the Himalayas. He has also graduated advanced skiing course. He was a member on first Ski-touring expedition to Lidder valley in 1984. He worked as Hony. Secretary for J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club for nearly 20 years.