Srinagar, Jan 28: : Continuing its push to promote winter sports and tourism in Kashmir, the Jammu & Kashmir Snowshoe Association, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Kashmir, is set to host the 10th National Snowshoe Running Championship 2026 at Sonamarg from February 6 to 9, 2026.

The Snowshoe Federation of India (SSFI) has officially granted hosting rights to Jammu & Kashmir, with Sonamarg selected as the venue, citing the successful organization of the previous two national championships at the same location.
Officials of the J&K Snowshoe Association recently met Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad, during which it was concluded that Sonamarg is an ideal venue for snowshoe running events. The Tourism Department has assured full support, viewing the championship as a key initiative to boost winter tourism and promote Sonamarg as an emerging winter sports destination.
“We have granted hosting rights to J&K with Sonamarg as the venue after witnessing the success of the previous two editions of the national championship held there,” said Mir Muddasar, President of the Snowshoe Federation of India and Vice President of the World Snowshoe Federation.
Mir noted that while Gulmarg remains the hub for high-end winter sports like skiing, snowshoe running requires minimal infrastructure.
“For snowshoe running, you don’t need major infrastructure upgrades—just snow, which Sonamarg has in abundance. In that perspective, it is ideal to host events of such magnitude at Sonamarg and other off-beat locations instead of Gulmarg,” he said.
Mir further revealed that SSFI, in consultation with the World Snowshoe Federation (WSSF), is considering hosting an international snowshoe race in Kashmir in March.
“Seeing the positive feedback and strong support from the Tourism Department Kashmir, SSFI is in touch with the world body to host the first-ever international snowshoe race in Kashmir. If it materializes, it would be remarkable to see top European and American athletes competing here,” he added.
J&K Snowshoe Association Vice President Arif Laigaroo thanked the Tourism Department for its support and said the championship will witness participation from around 160–170 athletes representing 17 States and Union Territories, competing in both men’s and women’s categories.
“This will be a grand event. The Tourism Department Kashmir is fully supporting it as part of its vision to promote Sonamarg as the next winter sports destination of J&K,” Laigaroo said.
He added that following a recently held Snowshoe 5K race in Gulmarg, similar races are planned in Dodapathri, Pahalgam, Sinthan, Bhaderwah, and other parts of Jammu & Kashmir, with expected support from the J&K Sports Council.
Laigaroo also raised concern over the exclusion of snowshoe running from the Khelo India Winter Games.
“Snowshoe running is dominated by J&K athletes. After being part of the first three editions of Khelo India Winter Games, the discipline was excluded in the fourth edition and later reduced to a demonstration sport. Due to its absence, J&K failed to win maximum medals in the last two editions,” he said.
He urged the Sports Council to reinstate snowshoe running as a competitive discipline in upcoming editions.
“Reinclusion will significantly boost J&K’s medal prospects and benefit local athletes,” he added.