*J&K emerges overall champion
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 15: The 10th National SnowShoe Championship 2026 concluded in spectacular fashion at Sonamarg today, marking one of the biggest SnowShoe events ever held in India. Organized with the aim of promoting Sonamarg as a premier winter sports and tourism destination, the championship witnessed participation from over 173 athletes representing around 20 states across the country.
The final day featured thrilling sprint and relay races, bringing the high-energy competition to a close against the breathtaking backdrop of the Thajwas Glacier. Throughout the championship, athletes displayed remarkable grit and endurance in what is considered one of the toughest winter sporting events.
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) emerged as the overall champion with a dominant performance, securing a total of 28 medals. Ladakh finished second with 15 medals, followed by Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. For their outstanding achievement, J&K lifted the specially crafted Rolling Trophy.
Deputy Director (Recreation) Sheikh Inayat graced the valedictory ceremony as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included SHO Sonamarg, Assistant Director Tourism Basharat Ahmed, Vice President J&K SnowShoe Association Arif Laigaroo, General Secretary J&K SnowShoe Association Dr Altaf-ur-Rehman, officials from the Sonamarg Development Authority, and Tourism Department representatives.
The championship was inaugurated on Saturday by Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad. The event was organised by J&K SnowShoe Association in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Kashmir and under the Auspices of SnowShoe Federation of India.
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