PESHAWAR: The first day of the long-awaited skiing races was dominated by the Ukrainians in the Malam Jabba International Alpine Ski Cup being held at the enchanting resort in Malam Jabba, Swat.

Ukraine skiers outclassed rivals in both men and women categories at the magnificent ski slope, which is hosting this international event for the first time in the history of Pakistan,” a statement issued by Ski Federation of Pakistan said.

Ivan Kovasnkyuk of Ukraine got first position in men’s giant slalom category while Jan Jakooba of Slovakia remained second and third Spot was also secured by Ukraine skier Vasyle Telychuk. Pakistan’s only hope in the category, Olympian Muhammad Kar­im, finished 4th in the race.

In the women’s giant slalom category, two Ukraine athletes Tetyana Tikun and Anastasia Gorbunova got the first, second position respectively. Pakistani international skier Ifrah Wali had a wonderful race and was third in the category. 50 male and 10 female skiers from Paki­stan and 8 inter­n­ational skiers from Morocco, Slova­kia, Sri Lanka, Greece, Afghan­istan, Turkey, Ukra­ine and Tajikistan participate in the event.

Published in Dawn January 29th, 2017