EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, Feb 22: Ayan Tariq Zargar and Waseem Ahmad, the two Kashmir skiing athletes, will represent India at the 30th Asian Alpine Ski Championship to be hosted at Mzaar Ski Resort in Kfardebian in Lebanan, official sources said.
The two young skiers, who left for Dubai on way to Lebanon from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, on Tuesday, were jubilant to represent India at the showpiece event.
Recently, another Kashmiri skier Arif Khan, who represented India at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2020 in Alpine skiing slalom and giant slalom, finished 53rd in the event.
Ayan hailing Baramulla and Ahmed of Tangmarg area in north Kashmir's Baramulla district are participating in the championship, which is an elite alpine skiing contest organised by the Asian Ski Federation, hosting competitors from Asian countries, including Lebanon, China, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Hong Kong.
Young alpine skier Ayan has played three nationals and has won two silvers - one in slalom and another in giant slalom respectively.
"This year I have qualified first for the junior nationals held in India's premier ski resort destination Auli Utrakhand from 7 to 9 February . Now I got selected to represent India in the under 21 category in the 30th Asian Alpine Ski Championship to be hosted at the Mzaar Ski Resort in Kfardebian in Lebanon," Ayan said .
"I am feeling very proud and am extremely happy that I am going to represent my country in Asian championship after a lot of hard work.
"I am hopeful that this platform will give me a chance to prove myself and to move forward."
Ayan is a son of senior skiing instructor Tariq Ahmad Zargar who worked as an instructor and trainer in Indian Institute of Skiing in Gulmarg.
Recalling childhood days, Ayan said, "At the age of four my father took me to the skir resort of Gulmarg to make me acquainted with skiing and since then there is no looking back. My dream is to make it to the Winter Olympics next time".
Waseem Ahmad from Mullabangil Tangmarg known as 'Tiger' of skiing started his journey at the world's famous skiing destination of Gulmarg with the elder ski champs.
Considered to be a good racer skier and his moves on the snow slopes make onlookers sometimes crazy. He has represented the Jammu and Kashmir team in the field of skiing several times and got many medals.
Waseem has played national seven times and in 2014 he got selected for the Indian ski team. He is also registered with the Federation International Ski (FIS) which is an international skiing organization.
"I have played three nationals in junior, six times national in senior category and also participated eight times in state championship, besides participated in many District Level events so far," Waseem said. He has also won gold twice as senior state champion.
Secretary General Ski and Snowboard India, Roop Chand Negi in the letter to the athletes declared that Ayaan and Waseem are going to take part in 30th Asian Alpine Ski Championship to be hosted at the Mzaar Ski Resort in Kfardebian in Lebanon.
This will be the first time that a championship of this level is held in Lebanon for both men and women. Lebanon had previously organized five times the skiing championship for Junior and Children, in 2000, 2008, 2009, 2016, and 2017 with Lebanon winning many medals. |
