Shimla, Dec. 3 -- Asia's only natural ice skating rink in Shimla kick-started its winter season on Wednesday with successful trial runs, marking what officials call a hopeful beginning despite global warming reducing the number of skating sessions each year. The 105-year-old open-air rink witnessed enthusiastic tourists taking to the ice as the first layer formed earlier than last year due to favourable weather conditions.

Manpreet Singh Sembi, President of the Shimla Ice Skating Rink, told ANI that climate change continues to affect the sport, stating, "Yes, the club has conducted trials, and today's trials were successful. Because of global warming, the environment is affected. The number of sessions is decreasing each year, so the num...