SPORTS> Feature and Column
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SPORTS> Feature and Column
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Restive Indian Kashmir revives sports links
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-08-15 09:03 The Srinagar course overlooks the famous Dal Lake and with a picturesque backdrop in the rising Zabarwan hills, a venue which is now part of the national circuit. Hundreds of Kashmiri skiers also flock to the snow slopes of nearby Gulmarg, where the other attraction is what is said to be the world's highest green golf course, set at an altitude of 2,650 metres (8,745 ft). Authorities are confident an $8 million cable car project set up in Gulmarg would lure skiers from around the world. "The resort is now alive again," said Gul Mustafa, a ski instructor. "In the next couple of years, Gulmarg will be one of the world's famous ski resorts." KASHMIRI WILLOWS Kashmir also exports thousands of its famous willow bats every year, a important small industry in the region. They are rated only below the English willow, which is favoured by international cricketers. Many feel the violence has only eased. Militants have launched deadly grenade attacks in the last two months, killing tourists who are returning to one of the world's most scenic places. India's soccer federation appear set to move the September national championship out of Srinagar over security concerns. Tension spilled on to the cricket field as early as 1983, when a one-dayer in Srinagar between India and West Indies was marred by spectators waving Pakistani flags who shouted anti-India slogans. Kashmiri youth, however, are beginning to find their own role models. Young fast bowler Abid Nabi is on the fringes of national selection while midfielder Mehrajuddin Wadoo is a member of the India soccer squad. Sports officials hope conditions keep improving. "In the middle of daily grenade explosions and gunfire, playing an outdoor sport is still challenging for many," said Zamir Ahmad Thakur, president of the state soccer body. "People are used to violence and now they have learned to live with it."
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