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.

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