Empowering youth through Winter Sports: YSS hosts Skiing Courses in Gulmarg and Sonamarg

• DG Sports graces concluding ceremony of 2nd course for girl Skiers at Gulmarg 

GULMARG: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) J&K continues to make strides in promoting winter sports with its Annual Skiing Courses at the world-famous tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg. On Monday, the Director General of YSS Rajinder Singh Tara visited Gulmarg to attend the vibrant closing ceremony of the 2nd skiing course, which saw the participation of 50 girl skiers from various districts across the Union Territory of J&K.

Expressing his joy at the Department’s consistent efforts, the DG YSS highlighted the significance of providing Government school students with access to world-class skiing facilities. “It is immensely satisfying to see students, particularly those from lesser-exposed backgrounds, gaining invaluable experience on the internationally acclaimed slopes of Gulmarg,” he stated.  

With a vision to further expand skiing training in J&K, the DG announced the commencement of new courses at Sonamarg and future plans to introduce similar initiatives in other renowned tourist destinations like Pahalgam and Yousmarg. “This initiative will not only equip students with expert training but also contribute to the growth of winter tourism and the local economy,” he added.  

The winter sports program continues with additional skiing courses scheduled for Gulmarg and Sonamarg, where expert trainers from YSS will impart fundamental skiing techniques to the students.  The enthusiastic girl trainees added vibrancy to the event by presenting cultural performances before the dignitaries, underscoring the festive spirit of the occasion.  

During the ceremony, Hilal Ahmed Shah, Incharge of Gulmarg Hutments (YSS), extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to the DG YSS for gracing the event, acknowledging the motivation his presence provided to both training staff and student participants. The event was also attended by senior officers and officials of YSS  including District Youth Services and Sports Officer Baramullah, Accounts Officer, SO Planning, SO Establishment and Incharge Activities Directorate of YSS. 

To ensure the highest quality of training, the YSS had enlisted a team of skilled and certified instructors, including Course Incharge Muzamil Ahmad Dar, Qadeer Ahmad, Shah Faisal, Masooda, Yasmeena, Sajid Ahmad Sofi, Fayaz Ahmad Dhobi, M Abid Bhat, Tanveer Ahmad, and M Ashraf Bhat. Their collective expertise guaranteed that students, regardless of their initial skill level, receive professional guidance in both theoretical and practical aspects of the second skiing course.

Over the years, the Department of YSS has consistently organized similar training programs, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a culture of winter sports and encouraging students and youth to adopt a healthier, active lifestyle, even in the challenging winter months.