Srinagar, Oct 5: Jammu & Kashmir is set to host the National SnowShoe Coaching Camp for the World SnowShoe Championship-2027, as the SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) looks to promote J&K as a destination for winter sports and strengthen its tourism potential through SnowShoe running.

SSFI President and World SnowShoe Federation Vice President Mir Mudassar said the Federation’s focus is to develop SnowShoe running in J&K while using the sport as a platform to promote the region’s tourism and winter-sports potential.
As part of this initiative, the SSFI will conduct a National Coaching Camp in Srinagar from October 7 to 10, 2026. The Federation has also granted J&K the hosting rights for the upcoming 11th National SnowShoe Championship-2027.
“The base of SnowShoe running in India is primarily in J&K. Given the level of support that the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir has extended to SnowShoeing over the years, the Federation has granted the hosting rights of the upcoming National Championship to J&K, apart from conducting this week’s National Coaching Camp here,” Mir Mudassar said.
He said the Federation’s decision to appoint J&K-based sports administrator Arif Laigaroo as Team Manager of the Indian contingent for the World SnowShoe Championship-2027 is also part of its broader effort to build local expertise.
“We have already made it clear that our focus is on J&K, developing SnowShoe running in the region and, through it, promoting its tourism. The Federation has therefore given the responsibility of Indian Team Manager to Arif Laigaroo, who is from J&K,” Mir said.
“With exposure to a world-class sporting event like the World Championship, persons like Arif can gain valuable experience in managing events of such a scale, which can help J&K conduct and manage similar international-level events in the future,” he added.
Mir also said that the SSFI has extended an invitation to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to attend the World SnowShoe Championship-2027 in Italy.
“The SSFI Board has already facilitated an invitation from the World SnowShoe Federation for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to be part of the World Championship in Italy. It would be an honour for the Federation to have the Chief Minister of J&K, who is himself an avid runner, attend the World event,” Mir said.
He said the participation of the J&K Chief Minister at the championship could further help showcase SnowShoe running and J&K’s tourism potential on the international stage.
Talking about the coaching camp, Mir said it is an important preparatory programme for athletes shortlisted for the World Championship.
“The National Coaching Camp is a preparatory camp for shortlisted athletes from different parts of the country for the World Championship. The athletes will be provided with a structured training plan and schedule as part of their early preparations for the World Championship,” he said.