Srinagar, Nov 11: In a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, two senior athletes from the Valley ,Gulzar Ahmad Khan and Muzamil Hussain Mir have been shortlisted to represent India at the prestigious International SnowShoe Race “Ciaspolada 2026” to be held in Trentino, Italy, on January 3–4, 2026.
The duo will be part of a 17-member Indian contingent participating in the 52nd edition of Ciaspolada, widely regarded as the world’s biggest and oldest SnowShoe running event.
The SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) has formally communicated the selection of Gulzar and Muzamil, hailing from Budgam and Srinagar respectively, to J&K SnowShoe Association President Tariq Ghani.
“The SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) is pleased to inform you that two senior athletes from Jammu & Kashmir have been shortlisted to represent India at the International SnowShoe Race ‘Ciaspolada 2026’, scheduled to be held on January 3–4, 2026 in Trentino, Italy,” read the official SSFI letter addressed to Tariq Ghani.
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“The athletes have been selected based on their past performances, with the objective of blending youth with experience at this prestigious international event, which serves as a valuable exposure platform for our upcoming athletes,” the letter added.
According to SSFI, the event serves as a key exposure opportunity for Indian snowshoe athletes as they compete against the world’s best.
Gulzar Ahmad Khan, a veteran athlete from Budgam, has represented India at multiple international snowshoe championships, including in Italy and Japan. Known for his consistency and discipline, he recently participated in the Asian Masters Athletics Championship in Chennai, continuing to inspire younger runners in the Union Territory.
Muzamil Hussain Mir, one of J&K’s leading endurance runners from Srinagar, has been a standout performer in both national and international circuits. He clinched a bronze medal for India at the World SnowShoe Championship 2020 in Japan and was the top J&K marathon finisher in the recent Kashmir Marathon. He has also been a regular medalist at the Khelo India National Winter Games and National SnowShoe Championships.
J&K SnowShoe Association President Tariq Ghani lauded the duo’s selection, calling it a proud moment for the Union Territory.
“It’s a great achievement for J&K sports that two of our most experienced athletes will once again represent the country on the international stage,” Ghani said. “Both Gulzar and Muzamil have been role models for the younger generation, and their inclusion shows the growing strength of snowshoe sports in Kashmir.”
Senior Vice President Naseem Chaya also congratulated the athletes, noting the steady progress of J&K athletes in winter sports.
“Our athletes have been consistently proving their talent at national and international levels. Their commitment, despite limited resources, is commendable,” Chaya said. “We are confident they will make India and J&K proud in Italy.”
Vice President Arif Laigaroo echoed similar sentiments, praising the Federation for recognizing J&K talent.
“The success of our athletes is a result of years of hard work and community support. We thank SSFI for its continued trust in J&K’s players. This selection will inspire many more youngsters to take up snowshoe running,” Laigaroo said.
The Ciaspolada, now in its 52nd year, is organized under the aegis of the World SnowShoe Federation (WSSF) and attracts elite snowshoe runners from across the globe.
