ISLAMABAD: The picturesque winter resort of Naltar in Gilgit-Baltistan and the enchanting ski slopes of Malam Jabba in Swat brace for some exhilarating winter sports in the coming days. The Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan (WSFP) has chalked out an elaborated calendar of events for the 2018-19 season, said a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesperson in a statement issued here on Friday. The winter sports season has already commenced at PAF Naltar with Sadia Khan and Children Ski Cup this week. Besides snowboarding and ice skating, ice hockey competitions will also be held at the venue for the first time in Pakistan. Shah Khan Ski Cup and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Championship will also be held this year besides the Inter-Varsity Championship for men and women to promote winter sport in the educational institutions of the country at Naltar.
Malam Jabba Ski Resort will host the National Ski Championship, Malam Jabba Ski Cup and CAS International Karakoram Alpine Ski Cup. The Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan has chosen the recently developed Rattu Ski Resort to host two events this year, including inter services ski cup and national cross country ski cup.
Prominent international skiers from across the world are arriving to participate in different ski racing categories. Besides international athletes, top level national skiers will also compete in these races to showcase their talent in this exciting sport. Competing with the world-class skiers will provide an excellent opportunity to Pakistan athletes to learn from them 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-making machine, the winter sports enthusiasts are set to enjoy a prolonged season this year.
Published in Daily Times, December 29th 2018.