SRINAGAR: One skier has been killed while seven others have been rescued safely after a major snow avalanche hit Affrawat peak in world-famous ski-resort Gulmarg on Thursday afternoon.
A Srinagar based news gathering agency GNS quoted an official as saying that a wide-scale rescue operation was launched after a massive avalanche hit Khillan Marg on Affrawat peak, trapping eight foreign skiers.
“The rescue operation saw the recovery of body of one skier, whose identity is being ascertained, besides safe recovery of seven other trapped skiers,” the official said, adding “Initially one among the trapped skiers couldn’t be found and to ensure his early retrieval chopper services were also pressed in.”
“Luckily the missing skier was also found although he has received some injuries and is being treated upon,” the official said.
“Helicopter services have also been pressed into service in a bid to rescue the trapped skier”, the official added.
The identities of the skiers, all believed to be foreigners, are not yet known.
When contacted, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gull told GNS that there was no hampering caused to ongoing ‘Khelo India’ games, underway at the ski-destination since Wednesday.
A video of the rescue operation was also posted on the social by some volunteers.
‘Khelo India’ athletes safe
“All the Khelo India athletes are safe and they are back to their hotels after successful completion of scheduled fixtures in Kangdori,” Gull said.
J&K Sports Council on Thursday has said that all athletes taking part in Khelo India at famous ski resort Gulmarg are safe and have not impacted by avalanche that hit upper reaches of Gulmarg Thursday afternoon.
“The avalanche that hit Khilanmarg area of Gulmarg earlier this afternoon has not impacted athletes taking part in ski and snowboard events of Khelo India Winter Games 2024 at Kangdoori Phase 1. All necessary precautions have been taken for safety,” J&K Sports Council in a post of X said.
“All Khelo India athletes are safe after the avalanche hits khilanmarg area of Gulmarg j&k. All the fixtures are being run as per schedule,” Secretary J&K Sports Council also posted on X.
Women’s mountain ski event flagged off
Earlier, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports, Nisith Pramanik today flagged off women’s mountain ski event at Kongdoori Phase 1 here during the ongoing 4th edition of ‘Khelo India Winter Games’.
After flagging off the event, the Union Minister appreciated the enthusiasm and talent of participating female skiers and encouraged them to pursue their passion for winter sports.
The Minister also interacted with the players and officials on the occasion. He expressed satisfaction over the successful organisation of this national event and praised the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as well as the J&K Sports Council.
Nisith Pramanik remarked that the ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ is a major event that showcases the potential of Gulmarg as the capital of winter sports in the country. He said that next edition of event would be even bigger with all the international standards. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for their support and guidance in developing sports infrastructure in J&K and promoting winter sports among the youth.
Minister further said that the ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ is not only a sports event, but a snow festival that celebrates beauty and culture of Gulmarg and J&K. He added that the event has boosted tourism and economy of the region and attracted visitors from across the country and abroad.
The Minister expressed hope that ‘Khelo India Winter Games’ would inspire more youngsters to take up winter sports and excel in them. He said that the government is committed to provide all the necessary facilities and support to the budding sportspersons and make India a global leader in winter sports.
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