Malik Sameed
Srinagar, Mar 08 (KNB): In the world famous skiing resort Gulmarg the diverse, interesting and difficult forms of winter sports like Nordic Skiing and Biathlon are flourishing with full bloom with recently on 5, 6 March full range of competitions in this regard being organized.
As a matter of fact , Nordic skiing encompasses the various types of skiing in which the toe of the ski boot is fixed to the binding in a manner that allows the heel to rise off the ski, unlike Alpine skiing, where the boot is attached to the ski from toe to heel. Recreational disciplines include cross-country skiing and Telemark skiing.
Whileas on the otherhand, The biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It is treated as a race where the contestant with the shortest total time wins. Depending on the competition, missed shots result in extra distance or time added to the contestant’s total running distance or time.
At Gulmarg now conduct of these tough and dynamic winter sports are organized with much regularity. Mohammad Ashraf, President Biathlon association of Kashmir states – “ The conduct of Nordic Skiing and Biathlon is now a regular feature here in Gulmarg and both our boys and girls are able to showcase their great talents in this regard. Running for ten to fifteen kilometers continuously is an unique feature of Nordic Skiing and Biathlon involves shooting on targets while skiing and army coordination is needed in this context which we are fully getting and thus our youth are shinning.
Major General Atul Kaushik, Commandant High altitude Warfare School at Gulmarg states – “ The youth are with enthusiasm now participating in winter games and we urge more youth to come here and we are ready to train them in exciting winter sports as the talent of Kashmir is awesome. In games like Biathlon we are training our army men so that they shine in upcoming Olympics. Boys and Girls from Kashmir are performing well enough in all winter sporting realms and Gulmarg offers them world class faculties to avail.” (KNB)