Pakistani players shine in first-ever International Snowboarding Championship

Many snowboarders from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Netherlands participate in the event

SWAT: Pakistani players emerged victorious in different categories in the first-ever International Snowboarding Championship held in Swat District’s Malam Jabba.

Many snowboarders from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Netherlands took part in the event jointly organised by Tourism Corporation Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) and Samson’s Group.

At 9,200 feet above sea level, the snowboarders showed their riding skills in the joint slalom and parallel joint slalom competitions where a large number of tourists and spectators were present.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Exhibiting extraordinary skills, Pakistani players – Liaquat and Asmat – secured second and third position while Dutch snowboarder Niel got the first in the Parallel Giant Slalom competition.

In Alpine Ski over 15 category, Zakir took the first, Faiz Ali second and Mohammed took the third position.

Moreover, Mohammad Esa bagged the first while Mohammad Noman got the second and Raza Ullah managed the third position in the under-10 category.

In the children's competition, Zubaida won first, Hajra second while Bahram Shah got the third position.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Some 30 local and foreign players passionately called for setting up additional slopes at the scenic spot.

More events like Long Marathon Race in the snow were also on the cards to boost tourism activities in the area.

"Malam Jabba has immense potential for winter sports and adventure tourism which requires proper branding and marketing to lure tourists from across Europe who are a bit more obsessed with games like skiing and snowboarding,” Niel said.

People from the Netherlands felt comfortable to visit Pakistan as it offered a safe and hospitable environment to the tourists, he added. "I think Pakistan will soon emerge as a top tourist destination of the world.”

PHOTO: EXPRESS

The Dutch player went on to say that efforts of the Pakistani government to open up the doors to world are remarkable. “It deserved appreciation for providing best infrastructure to its youth for the winter sports lover.”

Member of National Assembly Dr Haider Ali was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony, along with TCKP Planning Officer Arbab Hasnain, Assistant Planning Officer Afrasiab Khattak and others.

(With additional input from APP)