Yousmarg slopes to witness snow skiing for the second consecutive year as the Department of Youth Services & Sports J&K (YSS) started its annual training for the 1st batch of Boys.
Pertinent to mention that the Yousmarg was considered just asummer destination,but credit to YSS who explored the winter potential of the place and started skiing courses on its slopes.
DYSSO Budgam highlighted the achievements of the YSS Department and instructed the trainers to show utmost dedication during the organisation of the course. He also instructed his colleagues to provide every possible facility to the students during the entire course.
Gul Mustafa, Olympian and in charge of winter sports at YSS said that the Yousmarg is an old tourist destination, and there can have a basic, intermediate and advanced form of skiing.
“It can be a good ski destination, provided this will be given priority by the concerned officials,” Mustafa added.
Currently, 60 students from various government schools of the Kashmir division are taking part in the 15-day long course in Yousmarg.
“Such courses are a regular affair of the Department of Youth Services and Sports and are being run under the supervision of the Director of Youth Services & Sports J&K Subash C Chhibber to train aspiring students in the world-famous sport and to prepare and produce youth to take up this skill in a professional manner at national and international levels.”
Basit Nabi, a local mountaineer while talking to Rising Kashmir said that it was our long demand to have winter games in Youmarg. “YSS started with basic coursesand we want now intermediate courses to happen in future.There should be chairlifts for the skiers on the slopes to encourage skiing in the area,” Nabi said.
The slopes here are very good for skiing. Local youth will also get involved in winter games and will get exposure to these games which will boost the winter games in the area, Nabi added.
“Apart from the sports perspective, it will help us in making good revenues. And will help the nearby residing people.Else Yousmarg was a 4-month tourist destination with few tourist visits and little development. I hope it is a good start and this will help us in making Yousmarg a round-the-year tourist destination,” said Nabi.