GILGIT: The second edition of “Seven day Winter Feast 2004” concluded at frozen Khalit Lake Ghizer on Wednesday evening.

The performances of local athletes on the ice ground and the dances of local artists to traditional music enthralled the participants.

The GB tourism department organised the event in collaboration with non-government organisations.

A total of 16 teams of ice hockey—four teams of female hockey teams from across Gilgit-Baltistan—participated in the competition, while athletes took part in skating and other local ice games.

The final match of the women’s teams was played between Yasin Flyers and Ghizar Janbaz, which was won by the team of the Ghazar Flyers, while the second final of ice hockey was played between the men’s teams: Ghizar Flyers and Ghulkan of Hunza, which was won by the Ghizar Flyers team.

The concluding ceremony of the event was held at Khalti Lake, which was attended by fans of winter sports, tourists, and local people.

The chief guest of the closing ceremony was Force Commander Northern Areas Major General Kashif Khalil, while Speaker Mr. Nazir Ahmed, GB Assembly officials of the GB tourism department, and other departments attended.

Wearing traditional dress and caps, participants danced to the beats of local music,

artists performed songs, homemade lanterns were also blown into the air, and fireworks were also displayed.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Force Commander Northern Areas Major General Kashif Khalil said that Gilgit-Baltistan is a land of brave, lively, and hospitable people, and the people here are proud of the beautiful traditions, unique culture, and high spirits of the region.

He said the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan have immense potential and can achieve success in every field of the world.

Major General Kashif Khalil said the future of Gilgit-Baltistan is related to tourism, and we will take concrete measures in collaboration with the provincial government for the promotion of adventure sports in addition to winter sports.

The chief guest distributed shields and certificates to the winning teams and also encouraged the losing teams.

A seminar was also organised on the occasion to highlight the impacts of climate change in GB.

Director GB Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA), Shehzad Shigri, highlighted the impacts of climate change in the region and its threats to the livelihoods of GB people.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2024