Uncertainty hangs over skiing at Auli

Clouds of uncertainty remain on the International Skiing Race, scheduled to begin at Auli in Chamoli district from January 15. In the absence of snowfall at the sporting venue, the Federation of international Skiiing Race may change the venue, chief minister TS Rawat indicated on Friday.

“If Auli won’t receive snowfall till the scheduled dates, then the federation will reschedule the event, if necessary,” said Rawat in a meeting with the event organisers.

The CM said there was no snowfall in the region this year, but in coming years there would be good snowfall and winter sports will be held in Auli annually. “Auli in Chamoli district is one of the most beautiful places in the world and there is immense potential of tourism,” he said.

Meanwhile, preparations for the week-long event at Auli are in full swing. Union minister of road transport Nitin Gadkari is likely to reach Auli on January 16.

It will be the first time an international skiing event will be held in the country. It is being organised by the joint efforts of the Winter Games Federation of India and Winter Games Association of Uttarakhand.

Skiers taking part in the race will try to gain points to qualify for international skiing competitions including Winter Olympics. Apart from 70 skiers from India, skiers from countries such as France, Italy, Afghanistan, Nepal, Tajikistan and Luxembourg are also expected to take part in the event.

Rawat assured the event organisers to provide “all facilities ”for the winter sport. “All facilities will be provided by the government to players, tourists and guests who will be joining the event,” he said. He said preparations for the skiing race have “almost” been completed. “Arrangements have been made to engage trainers to prepare skiers at the local level,” he said.