Mingora
Irfan Khan, a 24-year old athlete from Islamabad Tuesday bagged a gold medal after clinching first position in ‘International Snowboarding Championship 2020‘, held at the majestic slope of Malam Jabba which is 9, 000 feet above the sea level.
The participants of the tournament enthralled the tourists, who thronged Malam Jabba to witness the event, with their jaw-dropping performance.
Imad Ali from Malam Jabba took second position while Irshad stood third in the championship, which was organized by the administration of Malam Jabba in collaboration with Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP).
“By winning this title, I feel overjoyed as my efforts got paid off today,” said Irfan Khan while pointing out that he had been waiting for such an opportunity since 2016. “There were some foreign and experienced players in the game which made the competition a bit tough,” he added.
He appreciated the role of TCKP and other stakeholders for providing such a platform to national and international player for promoting winter sports and adventure tourism in the country.
Irfan Khan urged the country’s youth to visit northern areas of Pakistan to learn and practice winter sports which would not only improve their health but also help promote the country as potential adventure travel destination.
“I am so happy after participating in this championship,” said Ahmet Romel Hayat who came from Afghanistan on invitation of the Ski Federation Pakistan.
Romel said he had visited Pakistan two years ago for partaking in the ski competitions at Naltar and Gilgit Baltistan. “I find Pakistan a safe and peaceful country whose people are hospitable and very welcoming.”
Lauding the efforts of Pakistani government for tourism promotion, he said: “I must ask foreigners to visit Pakistan as it keeps huge potential of adventure tourism.”
Malam Jabba Ski Resort was not only a tourist destination but also a hub for adventurists and sports enthusiasts as it offered multiple winter sports activities and summer adventures, Event Manager Samar Sabeen told APP.
“I am thrilled to see the active participation of players from Afghanistan, Netherlands, New Zealand and different parts of the country,” she remarked.
“It is the first-ever snowboarding competition in which players from Pakistan and other parts of the world were invited,” said Convener Winter Sports Federation Pakistan Shahid Nadeem.
He said the government was committed to promote Malam Jabba as the top adventure tourism destination of Pakistan.
More events like Long Marathon Race in snow were also on the cards to boost tourism activities in the area.—APP
