MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Kashmir’s winter wonderland, Ganga Choti, stands tall with majestic peaks soaring to 9900 feet, its snow-capped summits reaching the heavens.
Amidst this breathtaking backdrop, the Sports Department of ‘Azad Kashmir’ (Pakistan Administered Kashmir) has orchestrated a four-day sports festival, drawing athletes from across the region to showcase their skills amidst the icy embrace of this majestic landscape.
This year, a total of 36 athletes are participating, hailing from Bagh and Neelum Valley districts of PAK, and the Chitral region of Pakistan.
Remarkably, for the first time, five local females from Bagh district have joined the skiing competitions for the first time, breaking barriers and paving the way for gender inclusion in winter sports. This festival aims to introduce the beauty of Azad Kashmir globally, attract tourists, and promote winter sports.
From February 14 to February 17, Ganga Choti has come alive with the sounds of competition, as athletes brave the bone-chilling temperatures to participate in skiing, snowboarding, sword fighting, tug of war, and karate.
Against the backdrop of frozen panoramas, each event unfolds like a mesmerizing spectacle, with participants embodying the spirit of determination and resilience that defines this rugged terrain.
Beyond the thrill of the sports festival, Azad Kashmir’s beauty envelops visitors in a world of enchantment. Snow-capped mountains glisten in the sunlight, casting a magical aura over the landscape. Lush green meadows stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated by the vibrant hues of wildflowers in bloom.
The lakes mirror the azure sky, their pristine waters reflecting the surrounding splendor with crystal clarity. Springs bubble forth from the earth, their waters imbued with a purity that rejuvenates the soul. Rivers meander through the valleys, carving their way through ancient rocks and fertile plains, their gentle murmurs a soothing melody against the backdrop of nature’s symphony.
But PAK’s allure extends beyond its natural beauty; it is a land steeped in history and culture, where ancient traditions and modern life intertwine in a tapestry of heritage.
From the historic ruins of Muzaffarabad to the bustling bazaars teeming with life, every corner of the region tells a story of resilience and endurance, of a land and its people united in their love for this paradise on earth.
As the sports festival at Ganga Choti draws to a close, it serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s boundless potential and the indomitable spirit of its people. With its unmatched beauty and untapped resources, Azad Kashmir stands poised to become not just a destination but a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
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