Thrill in snow from improvised wooden skies

Ski federation continues to support, train local skiers who brought laurels to the country at 2011 Asian Winter Games.

From a time where local residents of the snowy mountainous terrain in the northern areas used improvised wooden skies to commute in winters, skiing has witnessed a progressive evolution in Pakistan.

It is now seen as a sport that not only fine tunes physical skills and mental coordination, but also provides the thrill of speed, excitement and adventure.

Pakistan Air Force (Paf) initially introduced this sport as means of survival in snow for its crew members. Gradually, the sport gained popularity. Consequently, in December 1990, the formation of Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) was the first structured step by Paf towards the promotion of skiing in the country.

Today, there are several ski enthusiasts spread all over the country with national championships being held annually. The SFP’s efforts bore fruit in 2010 when it achieved a land mark in the sporting history. Pakistan, for the first time, qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver. Muhammad Abass, an employee of Paf, became the first Pakistani winter Olympian to represent the nation in the mega event.

Recently, the national ski team, under the aegis of Paf, brought laurels to the country by securing second position in the 2011 South Asian Winter Games held in India. In the female event, the Wali sisters made their mark by bagging a gold and two silvers. Mir Nawaz won a silver and bronze in two different categories of the competition.

The skiing season in Pakistan usually starts in January and various competitions are held under the aegis of the SFP. The skiing federation not only organises training courses for beginners but also conducts annual ski championships. These competitions include the National Ski Championship, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Cup, Shah Khan and Sadia Khan Cup. And so far the SFP has successfully arranged 18 national ski championships in the country.

The SFP continues to pursue its goal of producing skiers of international repute for the country. The Federation has chalked out a comprehensive plan, according to which, selected skiers are provided with ski gear and equipment, given formal coaching and are exposed to famous ski slopes of Pakistan. Promoting and sustaining the wellbeing a developing sport remains the main challenge for the ski federation.

The writer is the Wing  Commander in Pakistan Air Force

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2011.