Ski and Snowboard India (SSI), the governing body of winter sports in India, has been recognized as “full member” of the International Ski Federation (FIS), the apex body for international winter sports. SSI has also qualified for one vote in the International Ski Congress. The officials of Ski and Snowboard India on Wednesday received a letter from the FIS president Gian Franco Kasper and secretary general Sarah Lewis to confirm that “Ski and Snowboard India is a full member of the FIS and qualifies for one vote at the International Ski Congress.” SSI secretary general Roop Chand Negi said, “This is a proud moment for the country, especially the winter sports athletes of the country. Finally we have been recognized as a permanent member of the FIS. The skiing remains dominated by European, American and some of the Asian countries where winter games infrastructure is very strong. As more and more athletes are taking interest in winter games in India, and our government is taking winter sports seriously, we are also improving our winter sports infrastructure. For some time, we are being treated equally on international platform.” Earlier, Winter Games Federation of India (WGFI), established in 1984, was the governing body for winter sports in India. It was an affiliated member of FIS since 1988. Following many discrepancies, it remained suspended for many years. For not complying with government’s directive to conduct fresh election of the body, WGFI was de-recognized by Sports Ministry in 2018 under provisions of National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. Recognized by Indian Olympic Association, the Ski and Snowboard India (SSI) was formed as new apex body for skiing and snowboarding. “With support from the Indian Olympic Association, sports ministry and all state associations, SSI has made a clean image amongst FIS and other national
Ski and Snowboard India (SSI), the governing body of winter sports in India, has been recognized as “full member” of the International Ski Federation (FIS), the apex body for international winter sports. SSI has also qualified for one vote in the International Ski Congress. The officials of Ski and Snowboard India on Wednesday received a
With an aim to encourage children towards snow sports and conserve environment to preserve the snow, the 9th World Snow Day (WSD) was organized at slopes of Solang valley near Manali on Sunday. A large number of children and youth congregated at Solang slopes and enjoyed skiing and snowboarding for the whole day. The children were given free lessons on skiing. The tourists were also given chance to try hand at the sport. On the call of the International Ski Federation (FIS), the night edition of World Snow Day saw 363 events and actions take place in 45 countries on Sunday. Ski and Snowboard India secretary general Roopu Negi said FIS WSD was celebrated at Solang in presence of a large number of children and youth under thfe aegis of Indian Olympic Association secretary general Rajeev Mehta. “We are encouraging children and their families to come to the snow. India is performing well in winter sports. The world has now recognized our potential. Although we have not achieved much in international events but we are confident that we shall get recognition among top athletes of the world soon in future. As children are the future of winter sports, the purpose of celebrating snow day is to encourage them to show interest in winter sports,” he said. Most of the ski resorts and clubs allowed free entry to skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts on occasion of World Snow Day. Besides encouraging children to experience fun of snow, they were told about the health benefits of winter sports. They were also told that how important is to conserve the environment to preserve the snow. Himachal Pradesh Winter Games Association (HPWGA) president Ludar Thakur said that FIS president Gian Franco Kasper had sent a message that all the skiing clubs, federations and state associations
With an aim to encourage children towards snow sports and conserve environment to preserve the snow, the 9th World Snow Day (WSD) was organized at slopes of Solang valley near Manali on Sunday. A large number of children and youth congregated at Solang slopes and enjoyed skiing and snowboarding for the whole day. The children