Srinagar, Feb. 10 -- Kashmir is extending its winter sport footprint with developing new ski slopes in areas, including, remote Valleys of Gurez and Sonmarg. The slopes of Gulmarg known for its powdery snow attracts hundreds of skiers from across the globe every year and the resort is one of the famous ski destination with world class infrastructure. "The directorate has launched an ambitious expansion of its flagship winter sports programme. This year, concurrent basic skiing courses are actively training young athletes at three premier locations: the world-renowned Gulmarg, the picturesque Sonamarg, and the breathtakingly remote Gurez Valley in Bandipora district," said director general youth services and sports, Anuradha Gupta, adding that the directorate has made a strategic pivot to identify and develop new winter sports destinations across the Kashmir division. "This move is designed to democratize access to skiing, ensuring talent is tapped from the farthest corners of the region, and not just from urban or private school backgrounds. Our mission is to build a robust, inclusive winter sports culture," Gupta said, adding that by taking skiing to Gurez and Sonamarg, we are not just training athletes; we are instilling confidence, building character, and opening new horizons for youth in border and remote areas. "This is sports as a tool for social empowerment and regional development."...