Less Access To Adventure In Kashmir

There is need of encouraging and inculcating a spirit of adventure sports among youth in the state, feels Mohammad Yousuf

Why do you go to climb Everest, was once asked from Late Mallory and his precise reply was “because it is there”. Another noted hiker remarks that “once you get out of the bustle of the city the more you go the more peaks will call”. But today these sayings go vice verse. Some people think if they go to mountains they will be caught to high risks and exposed to strenuous work. There is no one who could encourage a spirit of adventure among youth in the right direction.

The Govt. and Voluntary organizations have lost their interest in Mountain Sports. Sports Administrators today give much impetus to whistle games which attract a large crowd and VIPs to the decorated play-fields unaware of the fact that adventure sports are job oriented and have tremendous scope in tourist industry. Adventure sports are usually conducted in deep seas and high mountains where no spectator could be invited to watch. There is urgency of encouraging and inculcating spirit of adventure in youth. Ministers talk high about promoting adventure in the state but the heads of the concerned departments turn deaf ear and discourage youth to take up to these sports. The Govt. and N.G.Os could act as factories and produce trained manpower for tourist industry. As much importance is attached to studies as to life outdoors. Young people learn to be generous, charitable and sympathetic, and ideologies do not cross their minds.

Adventure is nothing but a hidden power inside human that leads him to undertake any risk in his life. It needs to be exploited in a proper way. Extreme Sports are perhaps the best to utilize the surplus energy of youth and release their ambition in a better way. Some are seen misusing this inner power by undertaking different types of misadventures that puts not only him but the entire national in a trouble.

Adventure sports in fact develop eight best traits of personality that is camaraderie, character, confidence, courage, coordination, cooperation, competence and of course spirit of competition among youth but misadventure brings displeasure and destruction. Youngman learn to face hardships, hard-working and hazards. For last two decades the spirit of adventure sports is seen considerably declining in youth. The reason behind it could be perhaps inadequate facilities. We lack infrastructure, guidance and the best training institutes here. These sports have lost its popularity in Kashmir where nothing but Burf, Pani and Pahar (snow, water and mountains) are in abundance. Great credit goes to Mr. Farooq Shah, Director Tourism who conducts one or the other adventure activity frequently. It may be running rivers, zooming down snowy slopes or launching awareness campaign against water pollution on river Jhelum. The Chief Minister, being himself an avid adventurer, is very keen to develop adventure sports in the state for which natural facilities are available here. It is highly appreciating that he recently raft down a treacherous stretch of + 4 grade from Sonamarg to Shutkari village with a local rafting team during inaugural function of International Rafting Championship. He stressed the need of popularizing the adventure sports among local youth but alas! Nobody is here to listen his orders.

It is mentionable that there are hundreds of adventure Clubs in West Bengal but alas here we just have a few, which too are non-functional for last many years. This is most unfortunate that Kashmir could not give birth to any Everester, though we are born in mountains. Mountaineering came to Kashmir during British Raj, who set up a mountaineering Club under the name and style “Cashmere Climbing Club” here sometime in 1934 which was later renamed as J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club. 1970s was a golden period for the club when it was revived and hundreds of boys were trained to Mountaineering including the writer but unfortunately today it is dying slow death. It lies defunct for last many years. The whereabouts of its assets is not known and records are not available. It is stunning that the office bearers of JKMHC don’t remember that 2009 is the 75th year of the Club which should have been celebrated in a big way. Pertinently the club gave bread and butter to many of its members and some rose to high positions with its help. It is now time for them to wake up and infuse fresh enthusiasm to this historic Club.

Climbing was popular in Kashmir during 1940-50 when many foreign teams used to come to Kashmir to attempt our lofty peaks. Kashmir was base for Nanga Parbat and many other Karakorum peaks those days. Not many know that Kashmir has given birth to an unsung hero, Late Abdul Rehman, who regularly accompanied German Expeditions to Mount Nanga Parbat as Cook during late 1940s. His regular attempts to Nanga Parbat gave him nick name of “Rehman Nanga”. He has played a vital role in the success of Germans to climb Nanga Parbat popularly known as “Killer Mountain”.

After JKMHC the J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association has done commendable job in exploring new areas, introducing new adventure sports and training hundreds of people to different adventure sports. It is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. The JKSMA was formed by three renowned explorers, Rauf Ahmad Tramboo, Mehraj-Ud-Din and this writer. It is a registered society and has conducted several ski, climbing, Paragliding, and rafting expeditions at state, national and international levels since its inception. It has many Firsts at its credit like first International ski-touring expedition to Lidder valley, first water ski expedition on river Jhelum, first paragliding course in Kashmir, first ski expedition to Mount Mahadev and first winter climb to Mount Kolahoi. It fielded largest contingent in first National Ski championship in 1984. The Association has also undertaken many environmental protection programs. One of its ski expeditions sighted snow leopard in Sekiwas in 1986, which confirmed the existence of this endangered species in Lidder valley for the first time. It also reported about water pollution in Jhelum and Wular Lake in 1988. Due to bleak financial position JKSMA remained dormant for quite some time.

For celebrating its Silver Jubilee the association has chalked out many innovative programs for the year 2009/10 which include Summer skiing in Zanaskar, Rafting expeditions on river Kishenganga, rock-climbing championship, ski touring expedition to Lidder valley, climbing expeditions in Sonamarg, first-aid and crisis management courses, Water ski expedition on river Jhelum, trekking from Harwan to Kulun, paragliding course, mountain biking expedition from Bandipora to Drass via Gurez and Roller Skating championship. Besides, environmental awareness campaigns would also be launched. The Association also plans to hold an International Seminar on “Adventure develops personality traits”. Some world celebrity mountaineers and skiers like Lincoln Hall and Peter Hillary etc. are expected to take part. Silver Jubilee celebration by JKSMA would go a long way in reviving adventure tourism in J&K. It would also coincide with the celebration of International Health Year.

Published in Rising Kashmir on 13th August, 2009

Save Water Bodies

Jhelum is lifeline of Kashmir –Save it, save it and save it for Mankind writes Mohamad Yousuf

Launching of an awareness Rally “Save Water Bodies” jointly by the Tourism Department, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Kashmir Rafting Operators Association on river Jhelum from Zero Bridge to Safakadal in the heart of Srinagar city is a laudable idea conceived by these organizations. The campaign will certainly aware and educate the masses, particularly the people living on both banks of river Jhelum in denser Shahri-khas of Srinagar city, about protecting water bodies from pollution, degradation and encroachment. It will also suggest people to desist from throwing polythene, rubbish, dead animals and other human waste in the water bodies which cause health hazards in the entire valley. The Rally would also study the state of water pollution that is threatening the existence of river Jhelum and its world-famous tributaries- the Manasbal and the Wular lakes etc. It is obvious that the studies will reveal that the paradise is indeed in peril. It is not hidden to anyone that water level in Wular and Jhelum has gone so low that one could walk through the waters; the gateways to the lakes are choked with sand, silt, polythene and sewerage. It is alarming situation now and we all will have to wake up and gear up to protect our heritage, the Veth (Vitasta) for our posterity. Earlier a similar awareness campaign was launched by N.L.C.O at Nagin Lake but that move remained confined to Nagin Lake only. It is unfortunate that the LAWDA has not incorporated Jhelum in its “Development of Waterways” programme, though Jhelum has remained most important waterway of Kashmir for ages. On the other hand maximum dirt and rubbish of Srinagar city goes to Jhelum via different outlets of Dal, Nagin, Manasbal and Sindh nallah and S.M.C acts as a mute spectator.

The Awareness Rally, in a caravan of multicolored inflatable rafting boats, kayaks and motor boats, will have a good impact on people and attract their attention towards this noble cause. The campaign starting from Zero bridge and after passing through historical Amirakadal, Habbakadal, Fatehkadal, Zainakadal, Alikadal and Nawakadal bridges will finally terminate at Safakadal. Besides Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Kashmir University, J&K Police Water Sports Team, a large number of students from different Schools and Colleges are expected to take part in this awareness campaign. Many other senior citizens are also expected to partake of it. Srinagar Municipal Corporation, members of Srinagar District Winter Games Association and Sports Fraternity Dalgate etc. are also on toes to participate. Protecting our water bodies is a social obligation for all of us. Every citizen must come forward and propagate that saving nature is to save our future. Village, school and community environmental awareness education is need of the time. There is no other way but to preserve our water bodies for future generations and have to handle water resources carefully. Sanitation close to water bodies is yet another dangerous way of polluting water and we will have to avoid it now. The waters of our water bodies have become poisonous and are no more the elixir of life. The decaying animal carcasses in contaminated water will give birth to Cholera like diseases. Srinagar is known as city of Lakes. Because of its lakes and rivers it attracts tourists here. If we kill them no tourist can be expected to come here in future.

Due to receding glaciers and water pollution there is a water crisis everywhere today. But the crisis is not about having too little water to satisfy our needs. It is of managing water bodies so badly that billions of people and the environment – suffer badly. Globally, about 38% of the population lives in countries where there is severe water stress. Water sources are often far away, dirty, and unsafe for drinking due to microbiological contamination. It is surprising that at various places in Kashmir, where water is in abundance, people are facing today increasing problems of water scarcity in many areas. Adequate portable water is not available to many. Increasingly water pollution is creating a problem for people and the environment, not only in urban areas but also in areas where there is intensive agriculture. Dal Lake is probably one of the worst examples in terms of deteriorating water quality. Sewerage from millions of people in Srinagar city and other rural areas are responsible for the sludge flowing down river Jhelum. If this continues in the near future many may face shortages of water to produce their daily food and to cover their domestic needs. Increasingly water pollution is becoming a concern for all of us. There is need to make both upstream and downstream populations aware of what result could be if pollution of Jhelum continues, which acts as a principal artery of Kashmir and many places in Pakistan. The major water pollutants are chemical, biological, or physical materials that degrade water quality. In Kashmir the common pollutants are pesticides and herbicides, hazardous wastes, sediments, infectious organism and excess organic matter.

Our water bodies also play an important role in attracting tourists to Kashmir. Srinagar is known as “city of Lakes. Mountain Rivers invite adventurers. We have natural felicities available here for different aquatic sports like wild water rafting, canoe polo, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing, rowing, and distance swimming etc and we can hold international level events on our water bodies. So these are equally important for our economic development. Not only sports but Mountain Rivers are also important for power generation and are thus important for our economic development as well. We will also have to take care of our mountains, as these are often referred to as natural “water towers” of the world. These are of paramount importance for food production and drinking water as well as for energy and industrial manufacturing. An adequate water resource for future generation is not only a regional issue but also a global concern. Demand for water has increased six fold globally in the past 100 years and about half of all available freshwater is being used directly for human purpose. So this now time protect our water arteries, otherwise we will have to repent.

Published by:

1. Greater Kashmir on 13th May 2009 under the heading “A significant way of saving water bodies”

2. Rising Kashmir on 14th May 2009 under the heading “Save Water Bodies”

Skiing On Virgin Slopes

In Alps and Rockies most skiers prefer to go for wilderness skiing rat her than standing hours in queues to get a trip on Ski-lifts-Ski-mountaineering offers the real thrill and challenge for high adventurous skiing writes Mohammad Yusuf.

At the moment winter sports activities are limited to Gulmarg in Kashmir only. Zooming down virgin steep slopes and ridges or swishing across valleys and passes in winter on cross-country skis is one of the winter adventure sports which the Jammu and Kashmir can offer to an intended tourist. However, we are yet to fully exploit the potential of this tourist product. Sindh, Lidder and Gurez valleys, Mahadev (Srinagar), the Pirpanjal and Zanaskar ranges are ideal for the introduction of this winter sport. But to develop winter adventure it is essential to clarify that it is not only downhill skiing at fixed resorts like Gulmarg that constitutes the thrill. The real adventure is going across the hills and mountains in winter on skis.

There is need to develop this kind of adventure which involves the least investment, compared to fixed ski resorts as no lifts, cable cars, snow beating machines, hotels and snow clearing machines etc. are required. The Government has only to construct some alpine huts in the upper reaches of Thajewas, Mahadev, Lidder and Wadvan valleys etc and train local youth to this sport who could accompany as Mountain Guides, porters and cooks with foreign expeditions. Cross Country skiing has tremendous potential in tourist sector. In fact Kashmir can produce dozens of ski resorts if only someone could realize the potential of the White Gold. It could develop much needed winter tourism and create avenues of employment during winter months.

Ski-Mountaineering:

Ski-mountaineering is one of the youngest winter sports to catch the fancy of experts in both skiing and climbing is “Ski-Mountaineering”. In Europe it is called “Ski-du-Randone”. It involves going over virgin hills and mountains with special equipment. Ski -touring which has become very popular in West particularly in Rockies and Alps combines the tenacity and stamina required for cross-country skiing with the thrills of making long runs downhill on skis. Enthusiasts go from daylong ski-mountaineering to even weeklong or still longer expeditions, camping during night either in tents or provisional shelters like igloos or Gujar huts etc. This is sort of high altitude winter trekking and the best way to combine the views of magnificent mountain scenery in winter with the thrill of skiing on virgin slopes. Avalanches and high temperatures on mountains are some hazards to be braved by the skiers. High temperature causes dehydration. In bad weather the temperature goes so down that there is possibility of catching cold injuries like Hypothermia and frostbite., This could also be called as wilderness skiing.

In view of over development of traditional ski resorts where one has to stand hours in a queue to get a trip on a Cable Car or a ski-lift, the sport is catching up fast in Europe, Australia and America and enthusiasts are now looking for newer areas to explore. Our state in this context has extensive possibilities which have hitherto remained completely unexploited. Last year many Australian and Israeli tourists visited Gulmarg but most of them were inclined to ski-touring and snowboarding. Even having tourist restrictions to higher reaches of Gulmarg and without any ski-touring itinerary of Tourism Department some foreign skiers and snowboarders undertook tours to Sunrise and Sunset peaks at their own level. In the absence of a local Mountain Guides some skiers also got lost in the surrounding mountains. It was not their madness but the majestic mountains that lured them to undertake the trip. Skiing down from Sunset peak about 15,000 feet gives them a sense of achievement which they cannot have in the entire European Alps. The months from March to May are the best period for ski touring in Kashmir. The snow conditions are ideal and the wind just right.

Equipment:

The equipment though built on basic principle of cross-country, is completely of a different type. For ski-mountaineering sophisticated equipment is designed in Europe. The skis are like normal alpine skis but shorter, wider, lighter and brighter in color. These skis are suitable for all kinds of snow conditions, powder, soft, hard and icy. The binding with which the boot is fixed, are multipurpose for cross-country and downhill skiing. A spring is fixed with the toe plate of binding which gives automatic push to a skier while walking. A special clip is fixed in the heel plate which holds the weight of skier while climbing uphill. At the time of need these bindings could be removed and a sledge like stretch can be made to carry heavy loads or rescue a sick/injured team mate. The mountain ski boots are lighter in weight and low back with vibrum soles and warm inners. The buckle opens the boot at the back which permits normal walking movement of feet. For uphill skiing seal skins are fixed beneath the ski surfaces which firmly hold the grip of ski with snow and doesn’t permit to slip backward. For more difficult icy slopes a pair of ski crampons is fixed with each ski. This bites into the ice and does not allow ski to slip back. The ski sticks are adjustable. One can make them as long as he wishes. Besides, two sticks can be fixed to each other, thus making a long pole, called snow stake. These long poles/snow stakes could be used for searching fellow skier who is buried in an avalanche. It is mandatory for every ski-climber to carry an avalanche beep, which is used for detecting a skier who is trapped in an avalanche. For navigation purposes every ski expedition carries a Global Positioning System. It is very useful for exploratory expeditions. The skiers carry special low weight high altitude diet. If this sport is to be operated here in a big way the Tourism Department will have to procure the latest mountain skis with its accessories and better designed footwear for porters.

Exploration and Promotions:

The first organized Ski-mountaineering expedition which came to Kashmir was a four member United States team in 1977. This team undertook a weeklong ski trip from Gulmarg to Shopian before they crossed into Wadvan valley over Margan pass and made another ten days trip to Panikhar in Suru valley of Ladakh Himalayas. In 1980 the first reconnaissance expedition to Lidder valley in Pahalgam was undertaken by two Kashmir explorers, the writer and his friend, Mehraj-ud-Din, a travel agent.

Published in Daily Rising Kashmir on 18th Jan, 2009.

Rugby: A Ball Game Played on Snow

Prospectus of an exciting new ball game took roots in Kashmir following conduct of a Snow Rugby demonstration match by Tourism Department during 5th National Winter Games at Gulmarg in February this year writes Mohammad Yousuf

Rugby is one of the ancient games. Basic principal of the game is same but with the modification of rules and regulations it is now played in different formats such as 7 players’ a-side, 10 a-sides, 12 a-side and 15 a-side. Rugby was initially played on grass but with the passage of time it is now played on sand and snow as well. There are different types of rugby which are played in different situations and conditions such as Beach rugby, Touch rugby and Tag rugby.

To oversee Rugby League world wide the Rugby League International Federation was set up in 1948. In India the sport is controlled by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU). To further its aims and objectives, the J&K Football Rugby Association is operative in the state since 2002. The JKFRA has produced many ace rugby players which include Sarib, Syed Hanan, Gh. Sibetein and Fahdul Hassan etc. who were selected for a national coaching camp but due to certain reasons the Indian team could not participate in under 20 International 12 a-side Rugby Championship in Korea during summer this year. The General Secretary JKRFA, Irfan Aziz attended Ruby Ready and Rugby Smart training camps in Mumbai this summer.

Snow Rugby:

The Rugby played on snow is called “Snow Rugby”. Snow Rugby is today played internationally. The last International Championship was held at Riga, Latvia in February 2008. The enthusiasts are trying their utmost to include this new combat ball game in winter sports events of the country, for which the Tourism Department is making its all out efforts. Snow rugby is not a gimmick. We do play a proper social game of rugby and it is genuinely enjoyable and fun..The rugby players consider snow rugby as a new recreation, thrill and challenge Playing rugby on snow is more difficult than playing on grass or sand because it is slippery on snow and running in ankle deep snow is more exhausting and tiresome. Besides, snow rugby is played at high altitudes where oxygen lacks. Playing a combat game on high altitude is itself a difficult task unless the players are fully acclimatized. One has to acclimatize himself properly before undertaking this outdoor pursuit. The other factor is that snow rugby is played under cold climatic conditions. One has to wear extra clothing to keep him warm. Wearing specially designed gloves, caps and footwear further restrict his free movement during the game. They sweat more which causes dehydration and that leads to early fatigue of the players. But to add to its merits, snow rugby causes fewer injuries to a player than grass and sand rugby because every fall is soft here.

There is a saying that “football is a gentleman’s game, played by thugs and rugby is a game of thugs, played by gentlemen”. This saying is proved correct when we find many famous gentlemen playing rough rugby, among them include famous Bollywood actor Rahul Bose, who has represented India in International Rugby Championship. Pramod Khanna (younger brother of actor Vinod Khanna), Nomin Mehta, Managing Director Selvel and Australian player Greg Devy. Rahul is such a dedicated player that he himself organized one day clinic for Kashmiri players last year in December at Polo Ground in Srinagar and taught finest points of the game to our budding players.

Promotion and Development:

Snow Rugby is growing fast in snow bound European countries for last some years. It is also gaining popularity in the Himalayan states of India, where snow is in abundance. Big credit goes to Tourism Department (Kashmir) for introducing and encouraging this unique sport in India in general and Kashmir in particular. For last two years the department has been regularly conducting training camps and feedback completions for local youth at premier snow sports resort, Gulmarg, with the help of J&K Football Rugby Association. With a view to acquaint people to this newly developed snow sport the department included Snow Rugby in Kashmir Snow Festival in 2007 and was repeated in 2008. With the intention to recognize this healthy sport at national level the Tourism Department managed to get it included as a demonstration even in the 5th National Winter Games, held at Gulmarg in February 2008. Besides local teams, a team from Delhi was also invited to participate in this inaugural match. The then Chief Minister, Jenab Ghulam Nabi Azad himself inaugurated the first match of its kind. Delhi defeated J&K by a solitary try.

First National Snow Rugby Championship:

It is laudable that the Director Tourism, Mr. Farooq Shah has conceived a lovely idea to organize first-ever national snow rugby championship at Gulmarg during ensuing winter. It would certainly promote and develop not only Snow Rugby as a competitive discipline but will also attract a sizeable number of tourists to Gulmarg during winter months, when we do not have much tourist activities in Kashmir. Like skiing and snowboarding many foreigners will be lured to participate in snow rugby programs in near future. At domestic level we have tremendous potential to bring snow rugby players from Indian plains to Gulmarg and other snow bound areas of the valley. This type of activity is possible only few Himalayan states of the country. The championship is being organized under the auspices of Indian Ruby Football Union 16 men and 9 women are expected to participate, which include Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Delhi, West Bengal, Orissa, U.P, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and our own state. The competition will be held in 7 a-side format in both men and women categories. This sport is now making a welcome entry into winter sports. If persuaded it could find a place in next National Winter Games as a competitive event.

It is suggested that the Tourism Department must give sufficient time to players to acclimatize both at Srinagar and Gulmarg before they go for the game, because most of the players will be coming from Indian plains. With the direct transfer of players from Srinagar to Gulmarg the players may have mountain sickness, which would be unpleasant for the visiting teams and may cause worry to the organizers. Their trip should be made enjoyable so that one player could get ten players to Kashmir next year.

The article was published in daily Rising Kashmir on January 11, 2009

Advent of Roller Skating in Kashmir

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

History:

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

Formation of first Skating Club:

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

Discrimination by Sports Council and ARSAJK:

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

Competitions conducted by KRSC:

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

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

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

Skating in Youth Services:

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

Other elements responsible for discrimination:

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

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

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

Know Some Unknown Mountain Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published on 16th December, 2008 in Daily Rising Kashmir

Gulmarg : The Paradise Under Snow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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