Satish Sharma Inaugurates Maidan Skiing Training Programme at Sonamarg

• Initiative poised to establish Sonamarg as an attractive winter tourist destination, Sports Minister

SONAMARG: In a landmark development for winter sports, the snow-laden and picturesque destination of Sonamarg hosted its inaugural skiing training course on Sunday here. The programme was inaugurated by Sh. Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Trainings Departments. This pioneering initiative introduces skiing to schoolboys from various educational institutions across the Kashmir division.

In his address, Mr. Sharma extolled the natural allure of Sonamarg, describing it as a magnificent locale ripe for the introduction of winter sports. He emphasized that exploring such opportunities in hitherto uncharted areas would not only enrich the local cultural tapestry but also bolster tourism. The Minister for Youth Services & Sports expressed his commitment to ensuring that aspiring athletes receive skiing training that meets international standards and is delivered with a highly professional approach.

Accompanying the Minister were several dignitaries, including Director General YS&S, Rajinder Singh Tara, District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, ADC Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmed, Joint Director Kashmir Youth Services and Sports, Mohammad Rashid Kohili. In addition, several senior officers from the Department of Youth Services & Sports and the Ganderbal district administration were present.

Mr. Sharma heralded the inauguration of the skiing course as an auspicious beginning, envisaging it as a launchpad for transforming Sonamarg into a premier winter destination. He remarked that, in alignment with the directives of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, the Department is earnestly committed to nurturing winter sports activities in Sonamarg.

He further said that the immense potential of the J&K’s youth to shine on the international stage and assured that the Government would invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure to elevate Sonamarg’s status to the next level. The Minister laid emphasis that the Sports Department and District Administration Ganderbal will work out the modalities for creating sports infrastructure in Sonamarg. The minister further emphasised that this event shall be made an annual feature and shall be organised every year in the month of February.

Director General YS&S, while welcoming the distinguished guests, reiterated that the initiative to conduct skiing training at Sonamarg is the brainchild of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K. He urged the Minister to support efforts in developing the necessary infrastructure, thereby ensuring that such programmes become a regular feature in Sonamarg, similar to the well-established model in Gulmarg.

District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, in his address, underscored the significance of introducing training in a globally renowned sport such as skiing. He expressed optimism that this initiative would act as a catalyst for boosting winter tourism in the area, thereby offering a transformative opportunity for the local community.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Director Kashmir of YS&S. Adding to the cultural richness of the ceremony, local folk singer Anjum Mujhtar mesmerized the audience with a captivating Gojri song, which was met with enthusiastic applause. Additionally, engaging snow-based activities were organized for the Department of YS&S employees, while Mohammad Yousf conducted proceedings of the inaugural ceremony.