Int’l skiers participate in snow festival

A large number of national and international athletes participated in thrilling competitions in the Second-ever adventurous Red Bull Homerun held at Malam Jabba ski resort in Swat valley on Sunday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Red Bull Homerun Pakistan and the Samson Group of Companies had jointly organized the event at the winter sports ski resort in Malam Jabba. Commissioner Malakand Division Shahid Ullah Khan and Brig, Commander Six Brig, Sajjad Akbar were the chief guests while officials from the tourism department, KPCTA, district administration, Red Bull Homerun Pakistan and others were also present.

Professionals, amateurs and winter sports enthusiast’s athletes from different cities of Pakistan showed their skills in ski and snowboarding competitions. The athletes received applause from the audience during the ski and snowboarding races. Over 70 plus male and female participated in the ski competitions and snowboarding race. The game is thrilling as participants sprint from the top of a snowy mountain with their ski and snowboards, clip in, and race down a marked course to the finish line.

Samar Khan of Dir stood first in female snowboarding event and Amees Hussain in male competition. Zahid Khan was declared first in male ski competition followed by Sher Ghani and Ilyas who stood second and third. Bushra grabbed first position in female ski events while Ayesha and Iqra stood second and third in female snowboarding competition. Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Malakand, Shahidullah said that international events would also be held in future that would be participated in by international athletes.

He said that district administration would also hold events in the area for promotion of winter tourism. He said that it would highlight tourism opportunities in the areas besides positively impacting economic condition of people. Various events of traditional music and entertainment were also held in the homerun festival that was attended by large number of people. Area people appreciated the efforts of tourism authority and district administration and suggested more events in future.