By: Aabid Hamid
Srinagar: Days after a ski-athlete Arif Khan represented India in winter Olympics in Beijing; two more Kashmiri athletes from Baramulla district are going to represent India in 30th Asian Alpine Ski Championship (AASC) in Lebanon.
Two skiers namely Ayan Tariq Zargar from Baramulla and Waseem Ahmad Bhat from Tangmarg Baramulla have reached to Mzaar Ski Resort in Kfardebian in Lebanon where 30th Asian Championship is scheduled to be held from February 23 to 27, 2022.
Relatives of Ayan told Precious Kashmir that this year he has qualified first in junior nationals held in Utrakhand after which he was selected to represent India in Under-21 category in 30th Asian Alpine Championship.
Ayan has been acquainted to skiing since his childhood and being son of senior ski instructor Tariq Ahmad Zargar, they are hopeful that he will perform well and prove his mettle.
Waseem, known as tiger for his skiing skills has represented J&K at many platforms and won several medals and got selected for the Indian Ski team in year 2014.
As per his family members, he was part of three junior national ski championships, six senior national ski championships, eight state ski championships and has won state champion award in ski twice.
Family members, relatives and coaches of both athletes are hopeful that this platform will provide them an opportunity to prove themselves and pave a way to get spot in winter Olympics.
President Winter Games Association of Kashmir Mohammad Abbas Wani told Precious Kashmir that together they are going to take winters sports to new heights and ski is played at Olympics as well.
Arif Khan has recently created history and selection of two youth in Asian Alpine ski championship is matter of pride and our youth can easily secure his future in ski, if they will be dedicated towards it, he said.
He said that Gulmarg is cheapest skiing resort in the world and various departments are getting involved to train more and more youth in skiing.
Recently, ski team of J&K has proved their mettle in skiing in Uttarakhand as J&K won most medals there, he said, adding that if youth are really talented in any field, they can secure their place with their hardwork and dedication.
