Srinagar, Oct 3: The SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) has appointed senior sports administrator and Vice President of the J&K SnowShoe Association, Arif Laigaroo, as Team Manager of the Indian contingent for the World SnowShoe Championship-2027, scheduled to be held in Fondo, Italy, on January 5, 2027.
In a letter of appointment issued to Laigaroo by SSFI Senior Vice President Harish Kumar, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing and coordinating the Indian team during the prestigious international championship.
Laigaroo brings previous international experience to the assignment, having been part of the Indian team as an official during the World SnowShoe Championship-2019, which was also held at the same venue in Fondo, Italy, under the aegis of the World SnowShoe Federation.
His longstanding association with SnowShoe running and his contribution towards the promotion and development of the discipline in India are also expected to be valuable for the Indian contingent during the championship.
As Team Manager, Laigaroo will coordinate the team’s preparations and participation, beginning with the National Coaching Camp scheduled to be held in Srinagar from October 7 to 10, 2026, for shortlisted athletes preparing for the World Championship.
Speaking on his appointment, Laigaroo said: “It is an honour to serve as Team Manager of the Indian team at the world stage. I will try my best to serve our athletes and provide them with the support and coordination they need so that they can perform at their best and bring laurels to India.”
He further said that SnowShoe running has significant potential in India, particularly in regions with winter and mountainous terrain.
“SnowShoe running is more than just a winter sport. It has the potential to become a major adventure and mass-participation sport in India, while also opening new avenues for winter tourism and youth participation.”
Laigaroo said the focus would be on creating a stronger pathway for Indian athletes in the discipline.
“Our immediate focus is to prepare the athletes for the World Championship, but the larger objective is to build a sustainable SnowShoe running culture in India, identify talent from different parts of the country and provide athletes with opportunities to compete at the international level.”
He added that representing India on snow at an international championship was itself a significant opportunity for the athletes.
“SnowShoe running tests endurance, strength, balance and determination. Our athletes have the ability to excel in these conditions, and with proper coaching, preparation and exposure, we can build a competitive Indian team for international competitions.”
Laigaroo also emphasised the importance of developing SnowShoe running at the grassroots level.
“We need to take SnowShoe running to young athletes and communities in our mountain and snowbound regions. If we can create the right infrastructure, equipment and competition structure, SnowShoe can grow into a strong sporting discipline in India.”
The World SnowShoe Championship-2027 is expected to bring together athletes from different countries for one of the major international events on the SnowShoe running calendar. The Indian contingent will participate under the aegis of the SnowShoe Federation of India, affiliated with the World SnowShoe Federation.
