Tourism Deptt to launch ‘Gulmarg Global Derby 2009’

ABID KHAN
Srinagar, Feb 25: In a bid to put Gulmarg on the map of international ski circuit, the Tourism department is organising a winter sports carnival, ‘Gulmarg Global Derby 2009’ from February 1-4. Top skiers from India and abroad including Australia and New Zealand are set to vie for honours in the championship likely to be inaugurated by the chief minister, Omar Abdullah. Twenty top skiers and medal winners from all over India will also take part. Athletes from 13 states from across the country will participate in the rugby event. The championship would be followed by a 3-day national snow-rugby competition from March 6-9. Both the events are being sponsored by ESSAR Group. “The motive behind these events is to promote winter tourism in a big way across the world,” director Tourism, Farooq Shah said. “It’ll in fact serve us in two ways: One it promote Gulmarg internationally and second it will make it popular among the domestic tourists.” Asked why it was named ‘Gulmarg Global Derby 2009’ he said: “The most important constituent of the championship is the ‘Derby Skiing Race’ in which skiers will ski down from 13000 ft high Apharwat range to Gulmarg.” The other events that will feature in the international event are Alpine run super slalom and cross country ski. He said Gulmarg is fully equipped to organize international events and every measure will be taken to make the event a success. “There is always a scope for up-gradation,” Shah said. “We will do our best to improve facilities there.” He said Gulmarg will be developed into a world-class ski destination in coming years. “Currently it is reckoned as the cheapest destination which helps us to attract more and more skiing lovers,” he said. “In future we will organize bigger events to promote Gulmarg in a big way.” “The reason why skiers from across the world like Gulmarg is the quality of snow here which is best suited to skiing,” he said. “The second phase of cable car gondola which carries a skier to the height of over 13000 ft is an added attraction.” Meanwhile Winter Games Association of J&K which is fielding its team in the events has asked all the intended skiers of the state to contact the Adventure Wing of the Tourism department for registration. More details can be had from contacting the cell number 9419707307.

published in greater kashmir on Feb 26 link : http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=26_2_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4