Srinagar, Feb 13: The stage is set for the grand 10th National SnowShoe Championship–2026 at Sonamarg, with teams from various states and Union Territories arriving on Friday to participate in the prestigious winter sporting event.
The championship is scheduled to be held from February 13 to 16, with the official inauguration on February 14 and the closing ceremony on February 15.
Teams were flagged off from TRC Srinagar by Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Sajad Qamar, in the presence of Joint Director Tourism Waseem Raja, Deputy Director Recreation, Assistant Director Publicity, Assistant Director Recreation, J&K SnowShoe Association President Dr. Altaf Ur Rehman, Vice President Arif Laigaroo, SnowShoe Federation member Muzamil Dar, and other officials.
Welcoming the athletes, the Director Tourism extended a warm reception and assured that all arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for the participants. He stated that athletes will enjoy top-level hospitality in Sonamarg, adding that all departments and officials are fully geared up to provide every possible support to the visiting teams.
He emphasized that such national-level winter sports events play a significant role in promoting Sonamarg as a premier winter sports destination, highlighting its immense potential for adventure tourism and snow-based sporting activities.
The championship is being organised by the J&K SnowShoe Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir under the auspices of the SnowShoe Federation of India.
The event will witness the participation of 173 athletes from around 20 States and Union Territories across the country.