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.

Ice Skating - The Sport of Agile

By Mohamad Yousuf

The first skates used by the man were made with the small bones taken from animals. Sometimes ago a skate was unearthed in England which indicates that during the early Christian era skates with bone blades were in use. Many centuries later wooden blades replaced the bones and in 16th century iron skates came into existence. At present we have steel bladed skate, which has made possible to perform twists and turns on the ice.

The Scots, who were avid winter sports enthusiasts, wee the fist to develop ice skating as a sport. Later it spread to northern European countries and now it is very popular sport throughout the world. In 1864 the American skaters introduced dancing on ice. From those dancing movements the basic movements of modern figure skating were derived. Among other sports ice skating was also on the first Winter Olympic Games, held at Chamonix, France in 1924.

Canada is the birth place of ice hockey. In 1875 the Montreal University organized Intra-Mural matches in this sport. Canada and Russia are leading countries in ice hockey. They have always dominated the play in the Olympic Games. The first ice hockey Olympic tournament was held in Antwerp in 1920 during the summer Olympic Games and in 1924 it appeared at the Winter Olympics.

Some Asian countries are taking steps to promote and develop the Winter Sports. It is hoped that the Winter Asian Games (on the pattern of Sumer Asian Games) will be staged very soon. Meanwhile, a Winter Sports Federation has been established in our country in 1984, with Mr. K.P. Sindh Deo as Secretary. Some states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have established their regional Winter Sports Association. The J&K State Sports Council is likely to establish regional Winter Sports Association in near future.

Ice hockey is now played in some northern part of India as well. Some local and army enthusiasts organize tournaments in this thrilling sport at Leh and Simla every year. This sport has a very good potential in our state as we have world renowned winter sports resorts here. It is observed that we can produce better winter sports athletes than hockey and cricket players. It would be nice if the J&K Sports Council and other sports organizations construct skating rinks at various places in this mountainous state.

Olympic Games in Winter Sports are staged regularly after every four years. The number of participants is increasing tremendously. In first Winter Olympics altogether 293 sportsmen from 16 countries took part but the 13th Olympic attracted over 1,500 athletes from nearly 40 countries.

The Winter Olympic Games are held in various sports like downhill skiing, Nordic (Cross-Country) skiing, Biathlon, Ski jumping, Ice-hockey, Speed skating, Luge racing, Figure skating, Bobsledding and Tobogganing etc.

Skating is the sport of sliding over smooth ice surface. It falls into various categories such as Speed skating, Figure skating, Ice-hockey, Sea Skating and Sail skating.

Speed Skating:

Speed skating relates to racing. It can be compared to the running events of track and field. In competitions skater has to cover distance, he is competing in minimum time. The usual distances are 220, 440, 880 yards and one and two miles. In Winter Olympics there are five events for men-500, 1000, 1500, 5,000, 10,000 meters; for women 500, 1000, 1500, 3000, meters. The GDR’s Christa Rothenburger has put record in 500 meters race, clocking an amazing 39.69 seconds. The sport demands stamina, endurance and of course technique.

For racing a special type of skate is required. Speed skates have a flat blade that grips the ice along its entire length when a push is made, thus giving greater power. The blades are long, projecting some inches beyond the tow and heal of the shoe. The length of the skate depends upon the size of the skater. The shoe is heelless.

Good style is essential to speed skating. The movements should be smooth and the body low. Skaters should arch the body slightly and incline forward from the hips with the weight on heels. To become a good skater, an aspirant must practice distance work and sprinting every day. A sprinter must concentrate on starts and turning corners and distance skater on smooth technique and endurance. The fast skating develops strong legs.

Figure-Skating:

Figure skating consists of three major areas; figures, ice dancing and free skating. It is nothing but fancy skating, depending on tact, style and technique. In competitions, the skaters are judged on form and grace of movements (like in Gymnastics), both for school figures and free skating. School figures are a set of skating patterns required to be skated to the satisfaction of judges. The single figures are the edges, loops, rockers and counters, skated without a chance of edge. The compound or advance figures are skated with a change of edge. Skater takes series of eight tests, each more difficult for judging, tracing (snaps and proportions of the print), form of the skater, triple repetitions. In brief Figure skating teaches the skater control of his body, mastery of this edges and poise.

Free skating is the part of a skating schedule where the skater executes to music a program of his own choosing and arrangements. The time is limited. The skater generally has to perform certain acrobatics, jumps and spins, good dance steps and moves. For becoming a free skater one has to learn the school figures first. The dance skating is performed individually and in pairs. The dancers wear fancy dresses. The ice dancing competitions have become keen. Athletes from Canada and the USA are joining the traditional rivalry of USSR and British dancers. Figure Skating and Ice dancing are for the experienced.

The figure skates are entirely made of steel, but of tubular construction as in the speed skating; the blade is wider that the speed or ice hockey skates. The blade is curved at the front end, thus leaving only about one inch in contact with ice. This curve permits sharp curves and spins but cuts down the speed. Its forward edge is curled up and saw teethed to enable quick stops. The shoe has a heel. Women skaters wear black shoes, just about ankle bone high.

Ice Hockey:

1.  Description: Ice-hockey, a goad game is played on ice surface (rink) by a team of 6 players. The team consists of a goalkeeper, right defence, centre, right wing and left wing. A team can field 17 players and 2 goalies all wearing same uniform. The objective is to propel the puck (disk), along the ice and shoot it into the opponent’s goal. Each goal counts one point.

2.  Rink: Generally known as field of play. The top players use a rink 61 meters long and 30 meters wide. It may be somewhat smaller however, 51 meters long and 26 meters wide. The minimum size of a rink is 25 X 12 meters. The 61 meter rink has 18 meters blue lines from the goal lines, whereas the shorter rink has 11 meter lines. The middle, as it is often called red line, is made in the middle of the rink. All lines are 30 cm wide. The radius of the centre circle and the two-face off circles in each zone are 4.5 meters. The rink is rectangular in shape with curved corners. Goal size 183 cm wide and 1223 cm high. They are made from steel pipes with an outer diameter of 5 cm.

3.  Equipment:

a) The ice hockey skate is of tubular aluminum with a steel blade, which is narrow and somewhat curved. The front and rear parts of the blades have to be dull and rounded for making sharp turns and skating backward much easier. The skate is permanently attached to a heelless shoe which is equally with a hard box toe for protection. The boot should fit the foot snugly and the lace firmly but not too tightly. The skate should protect a half inch front and back of the shoe. In accordance with the rules, a polythene or rubber cap has to be fitted over the rear tip of the blade to protect against injuries. Make sure your skates are always well sharpened.

b) A wood stick consists of a long handle with blade on the end, is used to propel the puck. The length, top of handle to heel, may not exceed 53 inches; the blade length may not exceed 14 ¾ inches. The height of blade may not exceed 3 inches except for the goalkeepers (3 ½ inches). As a rule it must not be higher than chin. Sticks are numbered from 1 to 9.

c) To protect the foot, a player should have a tall pad-guard at the back of the boot which will protect his foot from the puck. A pad is also placed under the boots tongue. To protect the body, a light shoulder, breast and hit pads are used. The goalkeeper wears body protectors, large goal pads and padded gauntlets. The other players use only light padded hockey gloves, chin, elbow and knee guards etc. The guards also protect the genitals from hits. Special plastic helmets of various designs are also used now. The goalies protect their face with special masks. Some players use special guards to protect the jaw and teeth. Coming out onto the ice don’t forget to check your protective gear thoroughly.

d) The puck (ball in field hockey) consists of disks of vulcanized rubber, 3 inches in diameter and one inch thick, black in color and about 51/2 to 6 inches in weight

4.  Game Duration: The game consists of three periods of 20 minutes of clean time with 10 minutes intervals between each period. The teach exchange goals after the end of each period.

5.  Skills and Technique: In Ice-hockey mastery of fundamentals is essential. Speedy and shifty skating must be acquired by long practice and experience. Some essential techniques are briefly discussed as under:

a) Skating: - The first qualification for an ice hockey player is the ability to skate well to move about the ice with utmost speed and quickness with grace and balance, combined with endurance. One should practice the short, quick and forceful strides. Always stride from hips and keep knees well bent and flexible. In skating down the ice, move in a straight line. The zigzag skating cuts down the speed tremendously. The player should have quick start and breaking ability. During the play one has to start from a dead stop and gain full momentum quickly. To stop, turn the skates at right angles to the line of direction, throw the full weight on the outside skate. The player should have quick start and breaking ability. During the play one has to start from a dead stop and gain full momentum quickly. To stop, turn the skates at right angles to the line of direction, throw the full weight on the outside skate.

b) Holding the stick: - Hold the stick as you hold the broom preparatory to sweeping. Usually the right-hand player holds the stick with his right hand about 2 feet below the left hand, which is near the handle.

c) Passing: - Accurate passing is important fundamental in ice hockey. One should learn and practice the passes rigorously. In passing the puck, place the bottom edge of the blade flat on the ice with the puck in the middle of the blade and sweep it in the desired direction. To receive the puck, place the bottom edge of the blade flat on the ice and let the blade give a little as the puck hits. If the stick is held too rigidly the puck will rebound and may be lost. Keep grip soft.

d) Shooting: - The player must also have the ability to shoot accurately. The basic types of shot in ice hockey are the sweep or swing, the snap, the slap, the flip and the drag. While all the shorts may be executed either from a player’s forehand or his backhand side. Wrist action and follow through are most important in shooting. Practice constantly in an effort to make the shots quickly and from every angle, keep the puck travelling now.

e) Stick handling: - It is somewhat called dribbling. After learning all the basic skills one should develop the ability to handle stick and puck properly. While dribbling keep blade in contact with the puck and sweep it gently back and forth; left and right. Don’t keep an eye on it. Batting or slapping at the puck will make it jump around. The stick can be used both sides. Don’t stop before stop before making a feint. Successful stick handling is largely a matter of deception. Dribbling is key to success in iced hockey but to use it too much may defeat team play. It leads to individual play rather than team play. Besides all the above skills, one should also learn stopping the puck with body, by-passing, snatching the puck, body checking and tactics.

6. Penalties: - The following penalties can be imposed on the players during the game:

Minor penalties and Major penalties; penalties for misconduct, penalty short, tripping, pushing against the boards, broken stick, body checking elbow and knee crossing, blocking, off-side and throwing the stick.

Sea - Skating:

Sea-skating can be well described as trekking on frozen sea. During hard winters the Swedish and other European skating enthusiasts organize long distance skating expeditions, covering about 100 miles and even more at a stretch on the frozen brackish waters of the Baltic and Lake Malaren. They undertake day long skating trips from one shore to another and explore the virgin black-ice.

The adventurers are well equipped with 22 inch skate, rucksack, safety line, ice picks, ice probe, maps, buoyant jackets, ski poles, pack lunch, whistle and warm and wind proof clothes etc.

Like all other adventurous activities the long distance skating on sea is hazardous, challenging and dangerous. The explorer must have tremendous courage, endurance and strength. During such ventures a skater has to trek on thin, thick, rock-hard, porous and mushy, snow covered bare, smooth and bumpy ice. The treacherous wind hole or patches of thin over ice can trap the skater and then cut him as he falls. One should never undertake such ventures alone because there are chances of sinking into the icy water. The skating on the sea is a team effort. Sometime they have to face fast blowing winds. On such occasions a strong skater leads the trail and makes an effective win-break. After a while he drops back and someone else takes over.

Sail - Skating:

Sail-Skating is becoming popular in Stockholm. Many sail skating clubs have come up in Sweden. The skaters are to go across the frozen lakes and sea at tremendous speeds by a hand-held or shoulder supported sail. The sport requires tremendous strength and balance. As long as there is wind at the backs of the skaters they move swiftly with almost no effort. But sometime the skater has to struggle with fast blowing winds, which can throw him away ro drag him towards the broken ice patches. The feeling of Sail-skating can be compared with downhill skiing.

In brief Ice skating is a struggle, an opportunity for the resourceful, a competition in ability, endurance, flexibility and strength. It makes the player bold and develops his ability to overcome pain. It also provides a chance for self assertion.

The article was published in the magazine “Gulala” published by Dean Students Welfare Office, Kashmir University in July 1985

The World Of Swimming

By Mohamad Yousuf

Swimming is one of the oldest sports in the world. Historical evidence proves that the ancient Egyptians Swim at least 5,000 years ago. Most early civilizations regarded swimming as a military skill. The Romans included it in the military training of young soldiers. Swimming was still a useful military skill during the 16th Century. It is said that in 1555 Norwegian soldiers could swim underwater during armour. Plato announced that to be unable to swim is to be uneducated; in fact there is a evidence that the Greeks of 200 A.D competed in Abydos for swimming. Some religions also stress to learn swimming. In Islam it is “Sunat” to learn swimming. Swimming is nowadays a regular feature of the Olympics. Besides the competitive sport swimming is also an adventurous and life saving skill.

Swimming is becoming increasingly popular in all part of India but unfortunately it has completely been neglected in our state. No doubt Got has bestowed us so many lakes and rivers but the construction of a modern swimming pool is badly felt. There was a planning of constructing a swimming pool near the newly constructed Indoor Stadium in Srinagar but that plan has not so far come out from the bureaucratic jungle. Some people think that this sport can be promoted in the lakes and rivers but it is totally impossible. For the competitive swimming the children should be trained from the age of one year. So it is not possible to give them scientific training in the rushing rivers and deep lakes, which are filled with weeds and dirt. If we have to boost this sport and put our state in the swimming map of India we shall have to construct at least one swimming pool of International size (50 x 21 meters with 1.8 meter depth) at Jammu and Srinagar each and some small pools in various districts. We have very good talent in the state but the facilities lack. It is observed that our state can produce best swimmers than the cricketers and hockey players etc. During summer thousands of children are seen swimming in the open lakes and rivers. Every year so many boys are reported to have drowned.

Personally, I feel that the swimming is the basis for all sports. It develops strength, endurance and flexibility. Swimming can do a lot for you such as it will relax you, bring an element of play into your life, bring solitude and freedom, bring you that satisfaction of personal achievement, will enhance your creativity, will put you in touch with elemental nature and give you confidence. In the way it tones you up physically, swimming is the safest, least painful journey to fitness, and hence another ticket to mental and emotional stability.

There are various kinds of swimming such as synchronized Swimming, Underwater Swimming, Long Distance Swimming etc.

Synchronized Swimming:

It is a figure (fancy) swimming. This is formation in which the swimmers make patterns in the water with bodies. The Federation Internationale De Natation Amateur (The International controlling body of swimming) has recognized it as an aquatic sport. Regular competitions are being held but it has not been introduced in India yet.

Underwater Swimming:

Underwater swimming is one of the most exciting, fascinating and adventurous of all water sports. With the help of some artificial aid like face mask, flippers, snorkel and oxygen cylinders the swimmers go in the bottom of the seas. They explore tropical fish, coral reefs and wrecks of sunken ships etc. in the deep seas. This adventurous sport has a very good potential in our state. The trained swimmers can explore the deep Manasbal Lake and the Wular, the largest lake in Asia. It is sure that there will be lot of remaining of our ancient kings in these lakes. This type of swimming can be dangerous. Swimmers must learn how to use their equipment properly and safely. They should begin with shallow lakes and pools.

Long Distance Swimming:

Long Distance Swimming takes place in many counties. It is also an adventurous and thrilling sport. This includes swimming rivers, lakes, straits and canals. The long distance swimmer usually remains in the water for many hours. During time he is watched and fed. Long distanced swimming is a team effort. The swimmer relies on the help of his trainer and the pilot of the accompanying boat. The pilot is very important. He knows the tides and currents in the area, and helps to choose the best swimming course. The trainer greases the swimmer before the start of the swim which helps to protect him against the cold water. During the swim he feeds the swimmer in the water. He uses a long pole with a clip on the end. The food is put into a container and held out to the swimmer. The swimmer’s equipment is carried in the pilot boat. He needs warm clothing and towels after his swim. Hot drinks and energy giving foods are given to the swimmer during the swim. The long distance swimming requires tremendous strength and endurance. The adventurer should have thick layer of body fat beneath his skin. Body fat is important in three ways. First, fat is a bad conductor of heat and acts like a blanket. Second, fat is less dense that water. It makes swimmer more buoyant. Because of this there is less resistance to movement through the water. Third, a natural store of fat forms a reservoir of energy. Swimmers can convert this fat into glucose which provides energy during swim.

This article was published in the magazine “Gulala” published by the Dean Students Welfare Office, University of Kashmir in December 1983

Snow Skiing - A Unique Sport

By Mohamad Yousuf

Winter Sports are becoming increasingly popular amongst the youth of our country. There are so many kind s of winter sports, like skiing, ice-skating, duck shooting and tobogganing etc. But among all snow skiing is very fascinating, thrilling and exciting one. It is one of the fastest sports of the world.

Ski as a refined and great sport is of very recent origin in India. Sometime in 1930’s this sport was introduced in India by some British soldiers. They had established a Ski Club at Gulmarg. The origin of this sport was actually derived from necessity. The idea of skiing was generated in the mind of a postman of Norway, who was entrusted with the work of distributing letters to the people living in snow bound areas of Norway. Natural and normal movement was almost impossible in snow bound areas where the postman had to serve. In order to make his movement easier and to maintain his duty uninterrupted on snow the post man made an improvised design out of two wooden planks to be tied under the feet to be used for walking on snow. The postman used the idea into practice and it clicked into a modest success. In course of time the idea of using two planks for fast walking on snow developed into modern ski. Then it popularized in Ireland, Finland and other northern parts of Europe. At present skiing is very popular in Austria, France, Italy, England, Canada, America, Russia and Germany etc./ It is now very rapidly popularizing in India, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Pakistan etc.

Ski is the only game where muscle power is avoided rendering it unnecessary. An ideal Skier while on skis should posses flexible body and mind with sharp perception and correct and flawless utilization of body movement as envisaged in Ski Instruction course can take one to desired direction and goal. Only rhythmic body can activate the ski to work one wants to achieve. Ski is a game of speed. In between the snow clad mountain range only ski can exhibit a graceful ballet like movement attaining a speed of 150 MPH.

It can be claimed that modern ski apart from being an artistic and adventurous sport it has some sociological utilitarian implication and importance as in the past. Ski is unique of its kind as an adventurous sport. All other sports might have manifestation of skill, beauty, power, competitiveness, above all pleasure both of the viewer and the performer, but the ski as a sport has some extra dimensions in its effectiveness to be used at times of need. India has a long mountainous border perpetually covered by snow throughout her northern boundary. Considering the effectiveness of movement on ski on snow bound areas ski training has been introduced to the Defence and B.S.F personnel for guarding the border.

Ski-Lift:

For the transportation of the skiers from base to top of the slope lifts are very essential. At present we have 6 ski lifts at Gulmarg, one Chair-lift, one T-Bar, three Poma-lifts (French) and one portable lift (excluding the army lifts). A scheme is progressive installing a Cable Car from Gulmarg to Apharwat. This lift will turn Gulmarg into International Ski resort.

Equipment:

Skis are made of fiberglass, metal and wood. These are light, lasting more efficient on snow. Suitable length of the ski for beginners may be the height of the skier plus one foot. Forward portion of the ski is projected upward forming boot like shape to facilitate buoyancy and affording passage over snow. The fittings are set such a manner so that the ski boot is set in the middle of the ski. Outer edges of the ski are bound by metallic angles. Front portion of the ski is called toe and back portion as heel. There is a grooved mark in the bottom of the3 ski which is known as direction mark. Special type of boot (high back and plastic made) is required for getting fixed on the fittings of the ski which are called safety bindings. The front portion of the binding is called toe plate and back portion as heel plate. Skier holds two ski poles (sticks) in his hands with discs attached to the lower ends. Special type of ski goggles are used and helmet is very essential during competitions. Skiers always wear colored and fancy dresses because it relieves monotony.

Kinds of Skis:

There are three types of snow skiing, given as under:

1. Alpine (Downhill) Ski: It is appropriate for Downhill and Slalom competitions. It is not5 possible to climb uphill by these skis. It is very common throughout the world.

2. Nordic Ski: This is the oldest sport. It is appropriate for recreational Cross-Country. Only tips of the boot are to be fixed with its special kind of binding. The heel remains movable and helps in climbing up hill. The mechanical devices to bring skiers uphill brought about the decline of this sport which is now coming back in the Alps.

3. Mountain Ski: A combination of Nordic and Alpine skiing. It is appropriate for sportive ski-touring and ski-climbing expeditions. Its bindings are multipurpose which can be used for uphill as well as for downhill. Sealskin or ski crampons (Nails) are fixed with skis for climbing steep slopes. It is now getting popular amongst the ski-mountaineers. Ascending and descending mountains by skis is the revival of an old sport of the Alps, the reintroduction of those conditions which prevailed at the dawn of skiing when ski-lifts did not exist.

Training:

In order to promote skiing in India the Tourism Department, Government of India established a National Ski School at Gulmarg under the name Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering., The Institute first trained about 19 Instructors, 11 of them were later employed in the same Institute. Since then the Institute has trained thousands of boys and girls of the country. At present ski training is imparted at Solungnallah and Kufri near Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The Skiing and Mountaineering Wing in Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services and Sports Department does not lag in promoting this unique sport among the school and College students of the state. It has inculcated the spirit of this sport among thousands of young ski enthusiasts.

The training to ski is imparted in three levels viz. Basic, Intermediate and Advance course. Those who qualify basic are recommended for intermediate and then advance course. At the end of the course tests are taken and various grades like “A” (above average) “B” (average), “C” (qualified) and “D” (disqualified) are awarded to the trainees according to the standard they have achieved in the course.

Technique:

Skiing is totally a new experience. Like all other sports it requires a certain technique for graceful skiing. A beginner has first to learn how to fix his boot on the ski and then start walking and sliding. Every aspect of movement of ski have been termed from its basic beginning to final, to name a few Tip turning, Step turning, Kick turn, Side stepping, Harraing bone, Snow plow, Snow plow turns, Downhill (Schus), Side slip, Uphill swing, Basic swing, Stem turn, Parallel turns, Wedlen, Traverse, Uphill christania and Stem christania etc.

Having endowed with all these basic aspects of skiing, a skier can even face and escape a running avalanche. The skier can also take off high and long jumps over a snow bump. Ski as an adventurous sport is synonymous with mountaineering. There are few ski climbers in India who could successfully ski down from Mt. Trisul, Mt. Nun and Mt. Kedarnath Dome and set records in the annals of ski-mountaineering.

Competitions:

Needless to mention that snow skiing is a Winter Olympic sport. Like other countries national state level competitions are organized every year at Gulmarg and Manali. It is a matter of great pleasure that one of the female students, Miss Natasha Mir of Chemistry Department of the University of Kashmir obtained 2nds Position in the National Championship in 1981. Last year one more student of Geography Department, Mr. Firdous Ahmad Khan obtained 1st position in state level competition, which was organized by the Ski Club of India at Gulmarg.

Events of Competitions:

Competitions are held in various events, given as under:

1. Downhill: One has to ski down from top to bottom of a particular slope in minimum time.

2. Slalom: The competitor has to pass through so many gates, fixed on the slope from top to bottom. Those who miss any gate are disqualified from the competition. One should finish the race in minimum time without missing any gate.

3. Giant Slalom: It is the combination of downhill and slalom. Gates are fixed very far away on the slope. It is very tricky race as one has to cross the gates in very high speed.

In all events the races are taken in two runs for combination. In Europe competitions are also held in Ski-Jumping, Cross-Country and Biathlon but these are not started in India yet.

University Ski Course:

In order to promote the adventurous sports in the University a first-ever skiing course was conducted at Gulmarg from 27th January to 17th January, 1982. Thirteen students of various Post-Graduate department participated in the course. There were 4 students in basic, 4 in Intermediate and 5 in advance course. All the students successfully completed the course. One female student, Miss Nirmal Hak of Political Science Department also attended Basic course. About Rs.11, 430 were spent for this course by the University out of that Rs.2, 250.00 were contributed by the participating students. It was a grand success. It would be nice if the tradition of conducting such courses for male and female students of the University would continue. The University can organize Inter-College competitions in this sport as well.

Positions obtained by the students in various courses as as under:

1. Altaf Hussain Mir, Law Department : 1st position in Basic Course

2. Shakeel-ur-Rehmand, Law Deptt. : All Round Best in Intermediate Course

3. Bashir Ahmad Mr, Commerce Deptt : Consolation prize in Intermediate course

4. Firdous Ahmad Khan, Geography Deptt : All Round Best in Advance Course

It is matter of great pleasure that the test of our students was taken by Prof. Prier Blonck of French National Ski School) (ENSA) who was at Gulmarg those days. Mr. Blonck also distributed the prizes and certificates among the participants. The University Ski Coach was awarded a special memento by the said professor.

The article was published in the magazine “Gulala” published by the Dean Students Welfare Office, Kashmir University September 1982

Mountaineering - A Popular Sport

By Mohamad Yousuf

Mountaineering is becoming increasingly popular amongst the youth of our country. This promising sport has also attracted the youngsters of our valley. It makes them resourceful and teaches to face difficulties. It brings about the complete mental, emotional and spiritual integration. It is a unique sport that teaches self-discipline and strengthens one’s faith and determination. It is a way of acting, thanking and living together with a fraternity of people who seek high adventure in the high places. In fact, a trip to mountains has a soothing effect on the soul.

Men have always desired to climb to the top of high mountains. There were so many Prophets and saints, who used to climb the mountains. The spirit of adventure and desire to know about the things and places has led them to do so. Mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas is total experience which provides to one an opportunity of access to the people unknown and an environment otherwise denied to people. Besides, the trekking provides the invaluable media for communication and mutual understanding. Climbers are a sort of “Clan” with its own traditions but open for all.

Like all other sports Mountaineering requires a certain technique for good climbing. However, the technique is least complicated and all you need is an indomitable spirit of adventure and, of course, the basic commonsense. As a technique climbing has become more specialized with the use of artificial aids to accomplish climbs that would otherwise be impossible.

THE ART OF MOUNTAIN WALKING:

Before setting to climb, gain experience of walking over small hills. Try to find a companion who is also keen to start climbing. One should be competent walker able to cover a good distance without undue fatigue, walk at a steady rhythmic pace which one can keep up all day. Avoid following streams. Lift and place the foot carefully to avoid slipping or dislodging stones. Never make jerky movements.

1. Ascending :- Shorten your stride and zigzag up a steep slope

2. Descending:- Bend the knees very slightly and dig in your heels at each step

The party should keep together; individual should not race or lag. Single file is best on narrow paths and ice fields. A party going up boulder or scree slopes should keep close together, so that any stone dislodged by the member do not have the chance to gain speed. If a stone is dislodged above steep slopes, shout a warning “stone-stone” to anyone who might be below, even though one cannot see anybody.

CLIMBING CALL AND KNOTS:

One should learn the International calls at home; such calls can save a good deal of time and confusion particularly in windy conditions. When shout calls cannot be hear, the party should use a system of gentle tugs on the rope, e.g. three tugs by the leader to indicate that he is ready for the second man to me.

Practice the essential rope knots at home before you start. There are so many kinds of knots which are used for ascending, descending, anchoring, rescue and crossing etc. Some of them are as; Overhand knot, Guideman knot, Middleman knot, Bowline knots, Figure of eight, Tarbuck, Fisherman’s knot Fisherman’s bend, Reef knot Prusick, Clave hitch, Sheet bend and Carrick bend etc. 

TECHNIQUE:

Mountaineering involves two type s of climbs viz. Rock-Climbing and Ice-Crafting.

1) Rock-Climbing:- There are two types of rock-climbing, one direct and the other indirect (artificial).

In direct climb one does not need any artificial aid. Two to three persons tie themselves with the rope, which is the life line of the climber. The leader of the party finds the natural holds of the rock and with its help they climb a rock. Only one person at a time climbs, the rest of the party waits safely anchored and give full attention to moving man. When one person is climbing the other members belay him. Climbing rock “on the foot” as much as possible, using your hands to keep body in balance. Keep body away from the rock. Avoid stretching arms full length for high holds, otherwise it waists energy.

SOME ROCK HOLDS:

Undercut hold, Side cut hold, In cut hold, over cut hold, Jam hold, Foot hold, Pressure hold and Pinch hold etc.

If the rock i s over 650 and the natural holds are not available, the climber requires the help of artificial aid (sophisticated climbing gear) like Pittons (steel nails), Hammer, Helmet, Drill, Karabiner (snap ring), Chest harness (chest belt) , slings (small ropes) and Etrior (Rope ladder) etc, The leader of the party fixes the pitons into tiny cracks in the rock, then attaches karabiner with it and finally the rope is clipped through the Karabiner, which provides support for the foot and body. It also helps in running belay. Running belays are valuable extra safeguards for the leader while climbing a pitch. The fall of a climber can be reduced with its help.

2) Ice-Crafting:

One should never walk alone or un-roped on the ice because there can be huge and deep crevasses, hidden under fresh snow. While walking and climbing on ice one requires the Crampons (boot spikes), Ice axe and Gaiters (boot covers) etc. Always use dark sun goggles in snow and ice fields. Walk in a single file. In case any member falls in crevasse or snow abyss the other members can rescue him by self arresting on ice with the help of ice-axe.

For artificial ice-climbing one needs screw typed Ice Pitons, Ice hammer, Jumar (ascender) etc. in addition to necessary equipment, mentioned above. The Aluminum Ladders are used for sheer ice falls and crevasse crossing. The step-cutting and rope fixing on ice is useful for the climb to loaded porters. Always select good camp sites. Don’t make noise in exposed areas, avalanches roar down the gullies bringing tons of ice and snow enveloping the unwary.

RAPPELLING:

It is stance which facilitates quick and controlled descent from ice walls and rocks on a rope. There are various types of rappelling such as, Stomach rappelling, Side Rappelling, Shoulder rappelling and Hip rappelling (Karabiner rappelling). Abseiling is one of the major causes of accidents and it is essential to ensure that the anchor is safe and advisable to use a safety rope all the time.

CARE OF EQUIPMENT:

Never store rope, tent and clothes wet, or in a damp unventilated place, or near harmful chemicals like cart batteries etc. Never dry the rope near a fire, nor store in a hot place, nor leave it exposed to full sunlight for long periods. Dry a rope by spreading it in loose loops in an air place. Check the rope regularly for wear and damage. Gently open the strands and examine the rope for wear due to grit. If there is a wear on the inside it is warning of age and weakness. Shake or wring out wet clothes before drying. A current of air, even if cool, dries better than heat alone. Boots may be oiled to soften and water proof them. Wet does not harm boot, if they are dried slowly away from heat. Stuffing boots with hay or papers helps to dry them. Mountaineers always wear colored clothes because it relieves monotony, helps in spotting a lost climber and provides good subject for color photography, so take care of the color of clothes as well.

HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Of all the hazards, the most dreaded is Frost bite which means freezing limbs. It is more intimately connected with the loss of oxygen. A lack of oxygen will therefore, reduce the heat of the body and expose the extremities to the danger of Frost bite. Other hazards of lesser sickness are chilblains, trench foot, sun burn, snow blindness and dehydration. These are caused more because of carelessness. One must always take as much liquids as he can consume in the mountains. Pulmonary Oedema takes place due to poor a acclimatization or exposure of body to servers cold which results in mild cough, pain in throat, vomiting, body ache and as the case deteriorates due to lack of timely aid, the patient fights for oxygen.

Every climber must undergo a period of gradual acclimatization before organs can operate properly at the heights. The most favorable zone for acclimatization is normally about 19,000 to 20,000 feet. Beyond this altitude at about 23,000 feet a critical zone is reached where successful acclimatization can no longer be expected. From 25,500 feet onwards the climbers enter the so-called “death Zone”. The only treatment for the ensuing symptoms is to restore normal supply of oxygen. The lack of oxygen causes lethargy, drowsiness, lack of power, exertion and mental deterioration. Sometimes it can also produce the state of overexcitement.

After the successful ascent to Mount Everest without oxygen in 1979 by an Austrian climber, Reinhold Messner, it has been agreed that altitude up to 29,028 feet can be tolerated without oxygen, provided one will undergo a gradual acclimatization. The body has at its disposal certain faculties which enable it to adapt itself.

FIRST-AID:

Every climber should learn the elements of first-aid. First-aid in mountain rescue work should aim (a) to reduce shock (b) to immobilize fractures (c) to stop bleeding and cover open wounds (d) to deep patient warm and free from pain.

Even when there is no accident exposure is a serious and often unrecognized danger in bad weather. The essential feature of exposure is severe chilling of the body surface, with a reduction in heat content of the body. This becomes very serious when the deep body temperature begins to fall below its normal 98.40 F (370 C). It leads to mental deterioration, loss of muscular co-ordination and eventually unconsciousness, heart and respiratory failure and finally death.

ELEMENT OF SAFETY:

There is a proverb “don’t show chest to mountains”. Sometime they can be treacherous. They never forgive; therefore, a judicious retreat is more admirable than a victory with a toll of death which spells gloom. A successful leader is one who knows when to go ahead and when to retreat.

CONCLUSION:

I dare say that the “mountain sports” have completely been ignored in the valley by various sports organizations. Mountaineering being the un-spectators sport, attention has always been paid towards the whistle games, like football and hockey etc. the matches of which can be witnessed by a good crowd of people and V.I.Ps. A great credit goes to J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club, Srinagar for inculcating the spirit of adventure among the youth of the state since 1934. The Club sponsors at least a dozen of its members for undergoing training in mountaineering at various Institutes and organizes expeditions every year without any financial assistance from the J&K State Sports Council.

For promoting the “Mountain Sports” in the world, especially among the handicapped people credit goes to Great Britain for sponsoring the Mount Kolahoi expeidition-1981 in order to celebrate the International Year of Disabled people. Three members of J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club (including this writer) also participated in this great and historic expedition. One more British handicapped mountaineer, Mr. Norman Croucher, 40 years, tried to scale Mount Nun, 23,410 ft. recently but due to certain reasons he reached only up to the height of 22,000 ft. Mr. Croucher is handicapped by both of his legs and walks on artificial legs. Needless to mention that ‘Australian Himalayan Expeditions’ has been keenly promoting adventurous sports in the world.

Published in monthly magazine "Kashmir Today" issued by Information Department, J&K Govt. in August 1982.