Empowering North Kashmir Youth Through Free Ski Training Program by Indian Army

North Kashmir has witnessed a significant boost in winter sports, thanks to a pioneering initiative by the Indian Army. A free ski training program was recently organized at Tee Pee Chokibal in Kupwara district, marking a historic milestone in the region.

The program garnered enthusiastic participation from local youth who harbored a long-standing desire to learn skiing but faced constraints in terms of access and resources.

Over two days, a total of 268 young participants engaged in the training sessions, with 167 attendees on February 9 and 101 on February 13. The majority of the participants were students hailing from nearby villages, seizing the rare opportunity to delve into a winter sport previously deemed out of reach.

Traditionally, aspiring skiers from Kupwara had to venture to Gulmarg or Sonamarg for training, facing financial hurdles related to travel, equipment, and coaching. The Army’s intervention brought trained instructors, necessary equipment, and structured guidance directly to their doorstep, eliminating these barriers.

The snow-clad slopes of Tee Pee Chokibal provided an ideal learning ground for beginners, who received comprehensive instruction on fundamental techniques, balance maintenance, and safety protocols.

Participants expressed immense joy and gratitude for the initiative. Eiman Nayeem, a student, shared her long-standing dream of learning skiing, now within reach due to the local program. Shazia Parveen, a Class 11 student, expressed excitement and newfound confidence after her inaugural experience with winter sports.

Abu Dayem reminisced about the days of admiring skiing on screens, now transformed into a firsthand experience. Danish Khan highlighted the potential of such initiatives in nurturing confidence among local youth and inspiring potential careers in sports.

The local community and parents lauded the program for unlocking new opportunities for youth in the district and fostering a heightened interest in constructive activities.