The J&K SnowShoe Association held a meeting on Wednesday at Radisson Collection & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, to review snowshoe activities and discuss upcoming development projects.
The meeting, as per a statement, was chaired by Senior Vice President Naseem Chaya and attended by Vice Presidents Arif Laigaroo and Adnan Shah, General Secretary Dr Altaf-ur-Rehman, and members Reyaz Wani, Gulzar Ahmad, and Abid Hussain, among others.
During the meeting, the association reviewed activities carried out during the recent winter season. Naseem Chaya congratulated the team led by Arif Laigaroo for the successful conduct of the 10th National SnowShoe Championship 2026 held in Sonamarg in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, and the SnowShoe Federation of India.
He was briefed on the impact of the event, which aimed to promote Sonamarg as the next major winter sports destination in Kashmir. The meeting also included a review of other activities, with special focus on grassroots development of snowshoe running in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It was a great success, and I congratulate the entire team led by Arif Laigaroo for making it happen. It is a significant achievement to see our J&K team emerge as overall champions, with athletes winning multiple medals,” Chaya said.
“Apart from national-level events, activities were also held in Gulmarg, South Kashmir, and Dodapathri during the winter season. J&K athletes also represented India in Italy,” he added.
He emphasised that snowshoe running is an accessible sport compared to skiing. “Unlike skiing, which takes years of training, snowshoeing is an activity that any active person can do. It does not require extensive training—anyone can pick up snowshoes and enjoy walking or hiking on snow. We should make snowshoes available at all tourist destinations, and hotels should provide them for guests,” he said.
The association also felicitated Naseem Chaya and Adnan Shah for their contributions to the development of snowshoe running and winter sports in Jammu and Kashmir. They were presented with mementos and souvenirs.
