ISLAMABAD: The Paki­stan Air Force (PAF) on Saturday defeated the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Scouts in the first-ever ice hockey match played in the Naltar Valley.

According to a press release issued by the PAF, players from both sides displayed extraordinary skills but no team could score any goal within the stipulated time. The winner was decided on a penalty shootout, when Shahryar of the PAF team scored the only goal.

The history of ice hockey in the GB region can be related to a local game Ghatal, which is also played with two sticks and a ball. To continue the legacy of this traditional game, ice hockey has been introduced in the region.

Meanwhile, Saadia Khan and Children Ski Cup competitions also started in Naltar on Saturday. The winter sports competitions have been jointly organised by PAF and the Pakistan Ski Federation.

An inter-varsity championship for men and women has also been planned to promote winter sports in educational institutions.

Alongside PAF Naltar, the Malam Jabba Ski Resort would host a national ski championship, the Malam Jabba Ski Cup and Chief of the Air Staff International Karakoram Alpine Ski Cup. The federation has chosen the recently developed Rattu Ski Resort to host the two events this year, including the inter-services ski cup and national cross-country ski cup.

Athletes from different areas, including teams from GB Scouts, PAF, Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad ski association participated in the competitions.

Later, participants of the events danced on traditional music.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2018