HAH Report
The winter resort of Naltar in Gilgit-Baltistan and the enchanting ski slopes of Malam Jabba in Swat have braced for some exhilarating winter sports in the coming days, reported Radio Pakistan.
The Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan (WSFP) has chalked out an elaborated calendar of events for the season.
The winter sports season has already commenced at Naltar with Saadia Khan and Children Ski Cup this week.
It is a landmark event as 33 international skiers from various Holland, Slovakia, Greece, China, Afghanistan, Turkey, Ukraine, France, Switzerland and Tajikistan Prominent international skiers have arrived in Pakistan to participate in different categories of international ski races being held at the PAF Ski Resort Naltar.
Besides international athletes, national skiers would take part in these races to demonstrate their talents in this exciting sport.
Top national skiers from various regions and ski associations of the country will also showcase their talents in the races.
Competing in the FIS races against the top ranked skiers of the world would provide an excellent opportunity to Pakistani athletes to learn from their competitors and improve their standing in the world.
The skiing season started at PAF ski resort Naltar with the commencement of Saadia Khan Ski Cup. As many as 19 national female skiers participated in the first race on the snowy slope of Naltar in freezing temperatures.
Besides, snowboarding and ice skating, ice hockey competitions would also be held here for the first time in the country.
Other than these, Shah Khan Ski Cup and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Championship would be held.
This year, inter-varsity championship for men and women have also been planned to promote winter sport in the educational institutions of the country.
Alongside Naltar, Malam Jabba Ski Resort would host National Ski Championship, Malam Jabba Ski Cup and CAS International Karakoram Alpine Ski Cup.
The WSFP has chosen the recently developed Rattu Ski Resort in Astor District to host two events this year, including inter-services ski cup and national cross-country ski cup.
Competing with the famous skiers of the world would provide an excellent opportunity to Pakistani athletes to learn from their competitors and improve their standing in the world rankings.
The WSFP has also procured a snow-making machine to make it less dependent on snowfall in the area.
With the installation of new tow-lift and the induction of snow machine, the winter sports enthusiasts would be able to enjoy a prolonged season this year.—Additional input from APP