Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 28: The Jammu & Kashmir Snowshoe Association, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Kashmir, will host the 10th National Snowshoe Running Championship 2026 at Sonamarg from February 6 to 9. The Snowshoe Federation of India (SSFI) has granted hosting rights to J&K, citing the successful conduct of the previous two national championships at the venue.
As per handout issued the officials of the J&K Snowshoe Association recently met Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad, and discussed Sonamarg’s potential as a winter sports destination. The Tourism Department assured full support, viewing the championship as a key initiative to promote winter tourism in the region.
Mir Muddasar, President of SSFI and Vice President of the World Snowshoe Federation, said snowshoe running requires minimal infrastructure and Sonamarg’s abundant snow makes it ideal for large-scale events. He also revealed that the SSFI, in consultation with the World Snowshoe Federation, is considering hosting Kashmir’s first international snowshoe race in March.
Arif Laigaroo, Vice President of J&K Snowshoe Association, said 160-170 athletes from 17 States and UTs will compete in men’s and women’s categories. He highlighted plans for similar races in Dodapathri, Pahalgam, Sinthan and Bhaderwah, and urged the J&K Sports Council to reinstate snowshoe running in Khelo India Winter Games, emphasizing that its exclusion has impacted J&K athletes’ medal prospects.
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