Srinagar, Jan 06 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday virtually inaugurated Integrated Ski Training Course being held simultaneously at Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the initiative aims to promote winter sports and tourism across leading destinations in the Union Territory. “The programme aims to provide certified training to around 500–600 youngsters in the 12–18 age group this season,” they said, adding, “The move is a part of the Tourism Department’s efforts to nurture local skiing talent and position the Valley as a leading winter sports hub.”
At Gulmarg, trainees were seen brimming with excitement on their first day on the slopes. “It’s our first day of skiing and we are really enjoying it,” said one of the participants, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interact with the Chief Minister.
“We want to become professional players and shine. This course has earlier produced international-level athletes, and we too hope to follow that path,” another skier added.
Director Tourism Kashmir, Qamar Sajad said that the department’s vision is to strengthen adventure tourism. “We foresee a day when many youth from Kashmir will participate in national and international skiing competitions. This training is our foundation for that,” he said—(KNO)