SWAT: The three-day sports and cultural festival also concluded amid colours and adventures in Gabin Jabba on Sunday.

The festival attracted a large number of tourists from across the country. The festival was organised by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KP-CTA) in collaboration with district administration of Swat. Young men and women from across the country participated in various snow sporting events.

Separately in Malam Jabba, national and international cyclists participated in a six-kilometre race on a dirt track. Cyclists from Mingora, Islamabad, Lahore and Canada took part in different categories of the race

Forest Secretary Shahid Khan, who was chief guest on the occasion, distributed certificates and prizes among the players. He said that Malam Jabba Ski Resort had great attraction for tourists and adventure seekers. “The ski resort is serving not only as a tourist destination but is also promoting sports and adventure activities,” he added.

Athletes showed remarkable performance on difficult terrains of the valley where many had to put their bicycles in low gear to reach the finish line. Winners were awarded with cash prizes.

Under the junior category, Zeeshan got first, Abuzar second and Zeeshan Ali third position respectively. In male category, Danish Mand got first, Mohammad Usman second and Hammad Hussain got third position respectively.

In the female category, Bisma got first prize and famous Canadian biker Rosie Gabriel got second position.

Rosie Gabriel said on the occasion that she was surprised to see the stunning natural beauty and enjoyed the hospitality of the local people. “Pakistan is an amazing country. Photos and videos cannot grasp the unique beauty and the kindness of the people of Pakistan,” she said.

She said that she would come to Swat in future to participate in more such activities.

The event had other attractions including cultural performance by a group from Lahore. The participants enjoyed traditional dances of Chitral, Gilgit and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while performance of violinist Sofija from Serbia enthralled the tourists.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2021