BK NEWS SERVICE

Srinagar, Nov 11: Two senior athletes from Jammu and Kashmir, Gulzar Ahmad Khan and Muzamil Hussain Mir, have been shortlisted to represent India at the prestigious International SnowShoe Race “Ciaspolada 2026” in Trentino, Italy, on January 3–4, 2026. The duo will join a 17-member Indian contingent at the 52nd edition of the event, the world’s oldest and largest snowshoe running competition.
The SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) officially communicated the selection to J&K SnowShoe Association President Tariq Ghani, citing the athletes’ consistent performances and experience as key reasons for their inclusion.
Gulzar Ahmad Khan, a veteran from Budgam, has represented India in multiple international snowshoe championships, including in Italy and Japan, and recently participated in the Asian Masters Athletics Championship in Chennai. Muzamil Hussain Mir, from Srinagar, is a leading endurance runner, bronze medalist at the World SnowShoe Championship 2020, and a regular medalist at the Khelo India National Winter Games and National SnowShoe Championships.
Tariq Ghani hailed the selection as a proud moment for J&K, highlighting the duo as role models for young athletes. Senior Vice President Naseem Chaya and Vice President Arif Laigaroo also praised the athletes’ dedication and the Federation’s support in promoting snowshoe sports in Kashmir.
The Ciaspolada, now in its 52nd year, is organized under the World SnowShoe Federation and attracts elite competitors from around the globe, offering Indian athletes a valuable platform to compete internationally.