GILGIT: The first national ice sports competitions began in Ghulkin village of Upper Hunza the other day.

The festival features ice skating, ice hockey, ice football and ice polo competitions.

A total of 21 teams, including five teams of girls, from Punjab, Sindh, AJK, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GB Scouts, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Baltistan, Ghizer and Hunza are participating in the games.

Ghulkin Winter Club in collaboration with Pakistan Winter Sports Association is organising the event.

Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Wendy Gilmour also attended the inaugural ceremony of the games as the chief guest, and acted as a referee in a match played between the girls teams of Altit Scarf and Chipurson Hunza.

GB senior minister Obaidullah Baig, district administration officials, social and political activists were also in attendance at the inaugural ceremony.

Amjad Wali, president of GB winter sports association, said the winter sports competitions would continue till January 23.

Obaidullah Baig appreciated Wendy Gilmour for her support in arranging the winter sports festival in GB.

On the occasion, elders performed traditional dance on music, and national anthems were played.

Speaking on the occasion, Wendy Gilmour said: “It is encouraging to see young people playing ice hockey and the local community members supporting them to learn the game.”

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2022