Skiing to return to Swat after seven years

Olympian Karim lauds SFP’s efforts for upgrading Malam Jabba resort.

KARACHI:

With the imminent up gradation of the Malam Jabba Ski resort after seven years, Winter Olympian Muhammad Karim foresees big opportunities for new skiers in the country.

The Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) held a festival in Swat to begin the renovations of the resort.

According to Karim, the slope that Malam Jabba offers is perfect for beginners.

“It’s great news for skiers because it’s more accessible than Naltar Ski Resort,” Karim told The Express Tribune. “I returned here after a very long time and was disappointed to see that the skiing facilities are almost obsolete because of the security situation in the region earlier. “Reviving the resort is a good decision by the SFP; they will not only make a new track for skiing but will also make a school here to support the children from the valley.”

Karim said that so far he has received a good response at the festival and he has seen a great deal of motivation in young skiers.“The slope here makes for fast skiing so competing here can be fun.”

International assistance needed: Karim

The 18-year-old Winter Olympian further added that Pakistan needs the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) help to make better facilities in the country.

“We have limited alpine sports in Pakistan, and in a long-term scheme Naltar resort will remain the key location since it’s got length and also enough plain ground to hold the biathlon and other events.

“Malam Jabba is shorter but it has a good vertical drop so it’s a good place for slalom events.”

The SFP has also set up a committee to supervise the development of the ski infrastructure in Malam Jabba to hold the FIS races in Swat.

Meanwhile, the Olympian said that security is also an important factor. He added that so far Pakistan Army has provided safe environment to the skiers.

“When we were coming here, I had some concerns but throughout the way reaching to Malam Jabba we felt safe,” said Karim’s teammate Chaudhry Sawar Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2014.

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