Naseem Chaya Sr. Vice President, Adnan Shah Jr. Vice President
Srinagar, Oct 31: The Jammu and Kashmir SnowShoe Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 at the Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, on Thursday. The meeting, attended by senior office bearers, athletes, and dignitaries, saw the election of a new executive body and a review of the Association’s achievements and future plans.
The AGM was observed by Mir Mudassir, Acting President of the World SnowShoe Federation and President of the SnowShoe Federation of India. In his address, Mudassir lauded the consistent efforts of the J&K SnowShoe Association in promoting winter sports nationally and internationally. “J&K continues to remain the heartbeat of Indian SnowShoe running. The commitment of its athletes and leadership has brought the sport into national limelight. With a rich record of hosting national championships and nurturing international medalists, I am confident that the new team will take the sport to even greater heights,” he said.
The meeting also expressed gratitude to outgoing President Tariq Zargar, who led the Association since 2020. Under his leadership, J&K hosted multiple National Championships and Khelo India Winter Games, while J&K athletes won medals at World SnowShoe Championships. Members thanked him for his dedicated service and urged him to continue contributing to the sport’s development.
Elections were held smoothly, with Tariq Ghani unanimously elected as the new President. The new executive body comprises: President: Tariq Ghani; Senior Vice President: Naseem Chaya; Vice Presidents: Arif Laigaroo, Advocate Suhaib Mir, and Adnan Shah; General Secretary: Dr. Altaf ur Rehman; Treasurer: Muzamil Hussain Mir; Joint Secretaries: Aaqid Kanth and Aman Singh. Executive Members include Reyaz Wani, Gulzar Khan, Ahsan Ali Beigh, Muzamil Dar, Abid Hussain, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, Bilal Ahmad, Mushtaq Bashir, and Shoaib Mir.
Expressing his gratitude, newly elected President Tariq Ghani said, “It’s an honor to lead such a dynamic team. We will focus on expanding SnowShoe’s footprint across J&K, particularly in the Jammu region, and ensure the sport regains its rightful place in the Khelo India Winter Games.”
Senior Vice President Naseem Chaya highlighted the focus on grassroots development, stating, “Our goal is to bring SnowShoe racing to every district — from Srinagar and Baramulla to Rajouri and Bhaderwah — and identify new talent who can represent India globally.”
The AGM reviewed a successful year for J&K SnowShoe sports, including hosting the 9th National SnowShoe Championship at Sonamarg with over 200 participants, participation in the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025, and J&K emerging as overall champions at the National Championship.
Future priorities include coordination with the J&K Sports Council and Tourism Department for greater support, hosting the 10th National SnowShoe Championship in 2026, organizing a Guinness World Record 9-km SnowShoe Race above 10,000 feet, and representing India at the Ciaspolada SnowShoe Race in Italy in January 2026. The Association also plans to felicitate Jahangir, the special athlete who won two medals for India at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by General Secretary Dr. Altaf ur Rehman, who appreciated all members, athletes, and departments for their dedication toward promoting SnowShoe sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
