Srinagar, February 14 – The 10th National Snow Shoe Championship was inaugurated in Sonamarg, a popular tourist resort in J&K, on Saturday. A total of 178 athletes from 20 states participated in the championship.
According to officials, Syed Qamar Sajad, Director of Tourism (Kashmir), inaugurated the 10th National Snow Shoe Championship in Sonamarg, marking a significant winter sports event in Jammu and Kashmir.
The championship saw enthusiastic participation from 178 athletes representing 20 states across the country, highlighting the growing popularity of snow sports in India and the region's potential as a premier winter sports destination.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Tourism stated that hosting national-level sporting events like the Snow Shoe Championship not only promotes adventure and winter tourism but also provides a strong platform for young athletes to showcase their talent.
He added that such events play a vital role in strengthening the local economy and positioning Jammu and Kashmir on the national and international tourism map.
Officials from sports bodies, local administration, coaches, and sports enthusiasts were present at the event. Participants praised the scenic beauty and challenging snow terrain of Sonamarg, calling it an ideal venue for snow sports competitions.
The championship is expected to further boost winter tourism and encourage greater participation in adventure sports across the Union Territory.
Winter sports have started in the Sonamarg tourist resort primarily because the resort has been converted into a year-round tourist destination due to the tunnel at Gagangir on the Srinagar-Ladakh highway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel on January 13, 2025.
The tunnel is 6.5 kilometers long, connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg.
It carries two lanes of the national highway and bypasses a Z-shaped road stretch, which used to be prone to avalanches and would get blocked during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
However, now the tunnel provides all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg. It takes only 15 minutes to travel the 6.5-kilometer-long tunnel compared to hours over the previous zig-zag road.