NITian’s Career Institute Supports Snowshoe Runner Muzamil Hussain Mir for International Race
In a heartwarming gesture of support, NITian’s Career Institute in Downtown Srinagar has come forward to assist international snowshoe runner Muzamil Hussain Mir in participating in the prestigious 52nd Ciaspolada-2026 International Snowshoe Race in Italy. This comes after Muzamil faced challenges in securing sponsorship from corporate houses in the Kashmir Valley.
Muzamil Hussain Mir, a former World Snowshoe Championship 2020 bronze medallist from Japan, is all set to represent India in one of the world’s oldest and largest international snowshoe races, alongside nine other talented athletes from across the country.
Despite having obtained his Italy visa well in advance, Muzamil struggled to gather the necessary funds for his travel and participation expenses. He approached several leading corporate entities in the region, seeking partial sponsorship, but unfortunately, none came forward to support him. This lack of assistance forced him to bear the financial burden on his own, impacting his preparation for the event.
Expressing his disappointment, Muzamil stated, “I never asked for full sponsorship. Any form of support, even at a partial level, would have been greatly appreciated. My intention was to gather small contributions to cover the overall costs, but the response from corporate houses was disheartening.”
Notably, two athletes from Jammu & Kashmir, Muzamil Hussain Mir and Gulzar Khan, had secured visas for the event with hopes of receiving support from institutions that claim to promote local talent. Unfortunately, Gulzar Khan had to withdraw from the race due to the lack of financial backing, while Muzamil managed to arrange his air tickets by borrowing money from a friend.
While Muzamil has received positive feedback from the Department of Tourism, Kashmir, regarding potential assistance, the support is yet to be confirmed, adding to his financial stress and uncertainty.
Amidst these challenges, NITian’s Career Institute stepped in to offer a helping hand to Muzamil after learning about his struggles. The institute approached him voluntarily and pledged their support, boosting his morale significantly as he prepares for the upcoming competition.
Reflecting on this gesture, Muzamil expressed his gratitude, stating, “I never approached them for help. Their voluntary offer of support means a lot to me and has given me the encouragement I needed ahead of the race. I am truly grateful to them for their kindness.”
Notably, Muzamil Hussain Mir has made significant strides in the field of marathon running, emerging as J&K’s top runner at the 2nd Kashmir Marathon. He has also participated in a Guinness World Record marathon event in Leh-Ladakh, showcasing his talent and dedication. Additionally, he has secured medals at the Khelo India Winter Games in snowshoe running, highlighting his prowess in the sport.
