The teams that reached to Srinagar on Friday from various parts of Country were flagged off by Director Tourism Kashmir Dr G N Itoo from TRC Srinagar. Among others present on the occasion were Deputy Director Tourism Registration Dr Ilyaz Ahmad, Deputy Director Tourism Publicity Dr Deebah Khalid, Assistant Director Tourism Zeeshan Khan, SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) President Mir Mudassir, SSFI Vice President Mushtaq Bashir, J&K SnowShoe Association (JKSSA) President Tariq Zargar, General Secretary J& K Carrom Association Adil Shah and other officials of Tourism and Association.

 

Around 100 athletes representing 11 States and HAWS team are going to participate in the event that would be inaugurated on Saturday in Gulmarg. The closing ceremony of the event would be held on Sunday.

 

During the two day event, competitions of Long Distance and Sprint events would be held in both male and female section on both senior and junior categories.

The event is being organised by J&K SnowShoe Association in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Kashmir and under the auspices of SnowShoe Federation of India.

 

While five teams had already arrived in Gulmarg on Thursday, the teams from Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Pondicherry, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh and J&K were flagged off from TRC Srinagar on Friday.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Alyas wished all the incoming teams best of luck.

"It is good to see you all arriving from various parts of Country for the participation in this mega event. It is National event with participation of more than 11 States and 100 athletes. Competition is going to be tough and I hope you have prepared well," Dr Alyas said 

Assistant Director Zeeshan Khan while giving out details said that the event is being fully supported by Tourism Department Kashmir.

 

"These are our guests and and will turn as our ambassadors when they go back home from here. They have arrived from various parts of Country and I am sure they will enjoy their stay in Gulmarg," Zeeshan said. (KNS)