Ski season to commence from Jan 20

SFP plans to hold four FIS events this year

KARACHI: The men’s skiing season is set to commence from January 20, while the women’s and children’s events, which were scheduled to start from January 4, have been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of snow in Malam Jabba and the Naltar ski slopes, revealed the Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) on Sunday.

SFP spokesperson Obaidur Rehman Abbasi said that the men’s event will take place as planned as local and international skiers are en route to reaching the venue.

At least 30 teams including the provincial teams, Army, Navy, PAF, Pakistan Civil Aviation  and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts will be participating in the event.

“The women's and children's championship has been delayed but it will be rescheduled soon," Abbasi told The Express Tribune. "Meanwhile, the full-fledged season will begin on January 20 in Naltar as it is an International Ski Federation (FIS) certified slope.”

The SFP will be hosting four FIS races where countries from Europe and Asia have been invited.

The officials will be holding the meeting for further details on the international events, while locally cross-country skiing events will also be a major part of the season.

"We've had cross country skiing taking place in Pakistan on a smaller scale, however, this time we have enough skiers to compete at the events in Malam Jabba, Naltar and Rattu," added Abbasi.