Srinagar, Feb 7: Preparations for the upcoming 10th National SnowShoe Championship–2026, being organised by the Jammu & Kashmir SnowShoe Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, were reviewed on Saturday during a meeting chaired by Joint Director Tourism, Kashmir, Waseem Raja at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar.

The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority, Bilal Mukhtar; SDM Kangan; Deputy Director Recreation Tourism, Sheikh Enayat; Assistant Director Tourism (Publicity); Assistant Director Tourism (Recreation), Mudasir Kichloo; Assistant Director Tourism Sonamarg; General Secretary J&K SnowShoe Association, Dr. Altaf-ur-Rehman; representatives of the Hoteliers Association Sonamarg, and other concerned officials.
The meeting reviewed the arrangements for the prestigious national winter sports event scheduled to be held at Sonamarg from February 13 to 16, which is expected to witness participation of around 150 athletes from nearly 15 States and Union Territories across the country.
The championship, being conducted under the aegis of the SnowShoe Federation of India, aims to promote Sonamarg as an emerging winter sports destination in Kashmir.
Addressing the meeting, Joint Director Tourism Waseem Raja stressed the need to ensure the best possible facilities and hospitality for the visiting athletes and officials, describing them as tourism ambassadors of Kashmir.
“It is our collective responsibility to make this event a grand success. With participation from across the country, this championship will significantly boost winter tourism in Sonamarg,” he said.
Raja urged all departments to work in close coordination for smooth conduct of the event and also sought active cooperation from the Hoteliers Association Sonamarg, adding that the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, would promote the championship extensively.
He noted that snowshoe running requires minimal infrastructure, making it an ideal winter sport to strengthen Sonamarg’s position as a winter tourism hub.
According to officials, participating teams will begin arriving in Kashmir on February 13. The inauguration ceremony will be held on February 14, while the closing ceremony is scheduled for February 15. All teams will depart on February 16.
For the championship, customised T-shirts, caps, medals, and trophies have been prepared, which will be officially unveiled on February 10.
The event is expected to attract national attention and further enhance Sonamarg’s reputation as a premier destination for winter sports and adventure