The skiers of Himachal on Tuesday organized a puja at Rohtang pass for the peace of soul of renowned Japani skier Kazuo Sato who is believed to be the godfather of skiing of Himachal and India as well. Sato had expressed his wish before dying in 2002 that his ashes should be immersed in Rohtang pass. Born in 1947, Sato frequently visited Manali between 1987 and 2000 and gave lessons on skiing to youths and children. He also contributed towards promotion of skiing in the country. Sato took youths from India to Japan and improved their skiing skills in his country without expecting anything in return. Jagdish Lal, one of the first skiers of Himachal, said Sato had asked his wife that after his death, ashes should be immersed in Rohtang pass. “He was the man who took the Indian skiing to this level. It was result of his efforts that our skiers started taking part in international skiing tournaments. The puja was performed in the presence of renowned skiers of Himachal and we paid tribute to our guru,” he said. Himachal Pradesh Winter Games Association president Roop Chand Negi said skiers of the country will always remember Sato. “It is the result of his efforts that our skiers are proving their mettle in Olympics and other international winter games.”
The skiers of Himachal on Tuesday organized a puja at Rohtang pass for the peace of soul of renowned Japani skier Kazuo Sato who is believed to be the godfather of skiing of Himachal and India as well. Sato had expressed his wish before dying in 2002 that his ashes should be immersed in Rohtang