MINGORA: Athletes from across the country who took part in the first uphill race competitions on the ski slope in Malam Jabba termed the race the toughest of all the sports.

The competitions are being organised by Samsons Group in collaboration with the Dubai Sports World to promote tourism and engage the local youth in healthy activities.

The organisers of the event said that they wanted to promote uphill sports in the valley, engage youth in healthy activities and encourage sports in the valley. “The uphill race competitions started on August 13 and will continue till the end of this month. We will organise such competitions every year with addition of more and more races and activities,” said Umair Sami, representative of Samsons Group. He said that he was impressed by the talent exhibited by local youth.

The uphill competitions include 100-metre race for junior athletes, and 200, 300 and 400 metres races for senior athletes.

Wirren Vin Der Merwe, a representative of Dubai Sports World, said that he found the valley amazing as the weather and sceneries here were very beautiful and people were friendly and energetic.

“The government should improve the valley’s infrastructure, especially the roads, if it wants to bring international tourism here and I am sure once the infrastructure and facilities are installed international tourists will come here,” he told Dawn.

A large number of tourists also enjoyed the competitions as they applauded the winners.

Asmat Wazir, a tourist from Islamabad, said that the youth had not enough venues to exhibit their talent. “It is very important to channelise youth in such sports. I am impressed to see the youth here participating in uphill races, taking part in folk dance and other activities,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2017