Srinagar, Feb. 17 -- The championship got off to a grand start with former J&K cricketer turned Social Activist Sayim Mustafa inaugurating the opening races along with CEO Sonamarg Development Authority Gh. Mohammad Bhat and Tourism Officer Basharat Ahmed.

Around 110 athletes representing around 15-17 States and Union Territories are participating in the event.

Terming it a new beginning and a new hope for the wintersport in J&K, Sayim Mustafa said that he is happy to see such an event being hosted in Sonamarg.

SnowShoe Federation of India President Mir Mudassir later visited the race venue along with former international skier Shabir Wani and took stock of the events and interacted with visiting athletes.

Meanwhile on Monday, long di...