Raja Syed Rather
Sonamarg, Jan 16: A famous tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, Sonamarg has come alive with the excitement of winter sports as a seven-day ice skating event marks the official start of the region’s winter games season.
Organized by the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) in collaboration with the Tourism department and the Ice Skating Association, the event runs until January 18.
The ice rink, developed by the SDA last year with support from the tourism department and the ice skating association, was created to provide a platform for local athletes and students to hone their skills and prepare for national and international competitions.
The event has drawn 20 skaters, all participating under the guidance of Mohammad Ashraf, the general secretary of the Ice Skating Association.
An official said that the initiative has generated enthusiasm from both local residents and tourists, with one local resident stating, “Sonamarg has so much to offer in the winter season. Ice skating will not only enhance the experience for tourists but also provide our youth with new opportunities in sports and hospitality sectors.”
This year’s event marks the second edition of the ice skating competition, following last year’s successful inaugural edition. The SDA is focused on expanding the reach and impact of the event, which has become a symbol of winter sports in the region.
Pertinently, the much-awaited Z-Morh or Sonamarg tunnel, a critical infrastructure project, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, which is expected to revolutionize connectivity and drive economic growth in Sonamarg, further boosting tourism and development in the area.
