ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Ski Federation (PSF) finally got its long outstanding due share when the Federation of International Ski (FIS) approved 16 international races for Pakistan.

According to PSF these races will not only save Pakistan from spending millions on training and getting required FIS races points on international slopes of other countries but also help national skiers to get FIS points for international competitions under international coaches and observers.

Both international status national ski slopes i.e Naltar and Malam Jaba will witness international teams including top Pakistani skiers in action till March 2017, said PSF’s spokesperson Obaid Abbasi.

For the first time in the history of the country around 12 countries will participate in races in two major international ski cups i.e Malam Jabba international Alpine Cup and Chief of Air Staff Karakorum International Cup, to be held at Naltar this year.

The races will be held from January 24 to February 2.

Also, as many as 15-members contingent of national skiers including four female skiers will participate in Asian Winter Games, set to be held in Japan next month.

The championship will be held at Sapporo Ski Slope of Japan from February 19 to 26.

PSF’s selection committee has finalised the names of 15 athletes for the event.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2017