Snowy Spectacle: Sonamarg set to host National SnowShoe Wintersport event

Sonamarg, Jan 25: Known as the 'Meadow of Gold,' Sonamarg is all set to carve its niche in the winter sports landscape as it gears up to host its maiden National SnowShoe event.

The three-day spectacle will witness a convergence of local talent and athletes from various states, showcasing their prowess in the unique sport. Officials reveal that the event aims to spotlight the thrilling sport of SnowShoe but also to position Sonamarg, nestled in the Ganderbal District of Kashmir, as a promising winter sports destination.

The tourist resort of Sonamarg is going to host its first-ever National level event in Wintersports with the 8th National SnowShoe Championship from February 17 to 20.

It will be a groundbreaking milestone in the winter sports history of J&K as it will be the first time that any National-level major Wintersports event will be held in Sonamarg, away from traditional destinations like Gulmarg.

The championship is scheduled to be hosted by the J&K SnowShoe Association with active support from the Sonamarg Development Authority of Tourism Kashmir and local stakeholders like Hoteliers.

SnowShoe Federation of India which is the National governing body of SnowShoe sport in the Country has already granted hosting rights for the Sonamarg and the event is going to witness the participation of more than 200 athletes and officials from 13 to 17 State/Union Territories of India.

The 8th National SnowShoe Championship 2024 is going to witness the participation of more than 200 athletes and officials from 13 to 17 State/Union territories. Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) Ilyas Ahmad told Greater Kashmir that for the first time a three-day SnowShoe Championship will be organised in Sonamarg which is of great significance.

CEO said that Sonamarg is being promoted as one of the best winter sports destinations. Many events were organised on the new year adding that the government is working on developing the infrastructure to create a place where international-level tournaments and competitions can be held.

He said that SDA will provide all the logistics and other support to make the event a success. CEO SDA, termed it a great beginning with a bright future ahead.

“This year we had started to roll up things by first conducting first-ever Ice Skating and local level SnowShoe events in Sonamarg. Buoyed with that success, we are all set to host our first National-level Wintersports event in Sonamarg. It will send a positive message all over the Country and World about Sonamarg being the next wintersport destination and in the coming years Sonamarg may turn out as one of the premier winter resorts of the Country,” CEO SDA said.

"To conduct any level of National sporting event requires support and coordination from one and all. For this event, we have got full support from Hoteliers who will be accommodating guest athletes and officials. Also infrastructure-wise, SnowShoe doesn’t require mega infrastructure overhaul or development. It requires a basic track and a few inches of Snow that we already have. In that regard, we expect our first National level Winterport’s turning out as a huge success,” he said.