Gulmarg: The Curling Federation of India (CFI) on Tuesday sought inclusion of Curling, an Olympic sport, in the next edition of Khelo India Winter Games.
Meanwhile, J&K Curling Association has been entrusted to hold the upcoming National championship of the Olympic sport in Gulmarg in the month of December.
This was resolved by the federation during a meeting which was held at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, where the second edition of Khelo India Winter Games in underway. “We urge the Union Sports Ministry to include Curling in the next Khelo India Winter Games as the game is a regular Olympic sport and is played across the globe,” Curling Federation of India Secretary General Mohammad Danish said on Tuesday.
He said that the federation has been working from last several years to promote Curling in India, particularly the states and Union Territories which receive snowfall. “The Curling Federation of India has organized training seminars and workshops for coaches and players under the supervision of World Curling Federation,” he added.
Danish said inclusion of this Olympic sport in Khelo India Winter games will not only promote the game at grass root level, but will also provide an opportunity to the players to represent their country at various international tournaments.
He said during the meeting it was decided that the national Curling championship will be held in the month of December in Gulmarg, which is known for its ski slopes and quality of snow.
Thanking the national federation for giving them the opportunity to host a national event, J&K Curling Association said that the besides promoting the sport in J&K, it will also help promote tourism in the Union Territory. “National championships not only promote sports, but also sent out a positive message to the rest of the country and world. This helps in increasing the footfall of tourists,” the Secretary of J&K Curling Association said.
He said after participating in the events, the players from other parts of the country act as goodwill ambassadors. “We are hopeful that the championship will be a success,” he added.
The meeting was attended by Curling Associations of different states and Union Territories — including J&K, UP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat.