Gandola Ski Cup, Gulmarg Global Derby 2012

            Gulmarg/Srinagar, March 05 (Scoop News) –  The 3-days Gandola Ski Cup and Gulmarg Global Derby 2012 culminated on March 04, 2012 at a magnificent function with awarding prizes among the competitors.

            In total 30 prizes have been given to the winners, who came with a flying colours in overall tournament.

            The awards were awarded by the Secretary Tourism Department, Government of India, R.K. Khuja alongwith Director Tourism, Government of J&K,  Farooq Ahmad Shah. Managing Director, Cable Car Corporation,  Talat Pervaz, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority,  Ameet Vanchoo, Col. Dillown and others were also present on the occasion.

            Apart from the Gandola Skier, a team of 15 participants in the snowboarding championship first time organized in the Valley.

            Overall 30 prizes including first prize Rs. 25000 2nd prize worth Rs. 15,000 and 3rd prize worth Rs. 10,000 in Men Giant Slalom and Women Giant Slalom each. First prize Rs. 20,000, 2nd prize Rs. 12,000 and 3rd prize Rs. 8,000 in Junior Boys Giant Slalom and Junior Girls Giant Slalom each. In Sub Junior Boys and Girls Giant Slalom, Rs. 15,000 first prize, Rs. 9,000 2nd prize and Rs. 6,000 3rd prize in each category and in Gulmarg Derby, Rs. 15000 Ist Prize, Rs. 9,000 2nd prize, Rs. 6,000 3rd prize and in Snow Boarding category Ist Prize Rs. 15,000, 2nd prize with Rs 9,000 and 3rd prize Rs. 6,000 have been gave away among the winners.

            In total 326 Skiers including 288 Men and 38 Women participated in 3-days Gandola Ski Cup and Gulmarg Global Derby 2012.

             Later, Speaking to the participants on the occasion, the Secretary Tourism, Government of India said that Jammu and Kashmir is bestowed with abundant natural splendour and efforts should be made to tape them all by developing new destinations. He said the State has tremendous adventure tourism. He said these events will provide adventure activities on the new Kongdoori Chairlift. He hoped that the J&K Tourism Department alongwith other sister agencies like Cable Car Corporation and Gandola and others will continuously carry on the mission with zeal and dedication.

            He also expressed happiness to be a part of this great event at the prize ceremony. However, he asked all the concerned agencies to work together for promoting the sports culture in the State.

            Addressing to the gathering, the Director Tourism said that apart from locals, the Skiers of the ten foreign countries including USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Norway etc. participated in these games and enjoyer a lot.

            He said, in the last year, near about 20,000 tourists including more than six lakh Amarnath pilgrims visited the Valley. Even two lakh including thousands of foreigners visited Ladakh and hoped in the coming summer the Valley will witness double than last year.

            He said the slopes of the Gulmarg are best all over the world for Ski lovers. He said the event provided a platform to thrill seekers to enjoy winter games and to demonstrate their talents.

            He said the State Government is making every possible effort to built a world class infrastructure in all the tourist attraction places and giving them good facilities. He said, visiting of more and more tourists to the Jammu and Kashmir State would yield good results by providing employment to the unemployed youth.

            Earlier,  Khuja, Mrs. Khuja Director Tourism and a number of other concerned officers and officials have been given mementos.

www.scoopnews.in