Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Dec 18: To attract the attention of higher authorities and the outside world for promoting winter sports, youth in Dawar village of Gurez has organised a snow cricket tournament on a frozen snowfield.
According to the locals, the remote valley has a great potential for winter sports as it remains covered under heavy snow which the tourism and sports authorities have failed to recognize.
The locals said like in Gulmarg, similar games can be held in Gurez as well, as the area has great potential for winter sports.
“The serene and mesmerizing beauty of this small valley, mostly during winters when it’s covered with heavy snow, attracts the attention of many,” said Irshad Ahamad one of the players.
He said the successive governments have failed to recognize the potential the Gurez valley has for winter sports.
The locals said that the area lags far behind as it remains cut off from rest of the valley and outside world for about six months due to the closure of Bandipora-Gurez road during winter months.
“The closure is due to least importance paid towards this road, that is why we have been demanding a tunnel to provide round the year connectivity to this picturesque valley,” Javid Bhat, local resident said.
The locals said that youth have now turned to snow cricket at the foothills of famous Habba Khatoon peak to promote winter sports in Gurez and also beat the winter chill.
“If authorities will promote this place as a winter destination and organise winter games, the area will be economically uplifted and, moreover, it would also, help the residents to overcome weather vagaries,” they said.
“The area has the potential for winter games like snow skiing, ice hockey and various other games,” they said.
Pertinently, the Gurez valley which is located on the line of control witnesses’ heavy snowfall during the winter season and remains cut off from the rest of the valley and the outside world for more than six months due to the closure of Bandipora-Gurez road. (KNO)
