Praveen Sood Elected President of National Ski Mountaineering Association: A New Era for Winter Sports in Himachal Pradesh and India.

Shimla:

In a landmark achievement that has stirred immense pride within the Manali community and across India’s winter sports landscape, Praveen Sood, fondly known as “Pintu,” has been elected as the President of the National Ski Mountaineering Association, also known as SkiMo India Federation. This momentous development is expected to reshape the future of winter sports in India, with a particular focus on the snow-covered regions of Himachal Pradesh and the greater Indian Himalayas.

Ski Mountaineering: The Thrilling Olympic Sport on the Rise

Ski mountaineering, or SkiMo, is an exhilarating sport that combines alpine skiing with mountaineering techniques, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience. As the newest Olympic sport and governed internationally by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), SkiMo is swiftly growing in popularity worldwide. Unlike traditional winter sports, SkiMo requires minimal infrastructure, making it an ideal activity for the rugged, snow-covered landscapes of India’s Himalayan regions. This presents vast potential for both competitive sports and high-end adventure tourism, particularly in remote areas that have largely remained unexplored in terms of winter sports.

Praveen Sood, who has long championed the sport, is now poised to lead this movement with a clear vision. He has stated, “With the support of state associations and governments, SkiMo will be introduced to the most remote and snowbound areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, and the northeastern states. This will not only bring about sporting excellence but also drive tourism and economic development in these areas.”

A Vision for Expanding SkiMo in Himachal Pradesh and Beyond.

Under Praveen’s dynamic leadership, the sport is set to make significant strides across India’s Himalayan states. SkiMo is already gaining traction, with events such as India’s first SkiMo Open National competition held in April 2024 at Jalori Pass, Himachal Pradesh. This event highlighted the potential of the region for winter sports, providing a massive boost to local tourism and businesses.

Looking ahead, Praveen plans to expand SkiMo events into several untapped destinations with vast potential, including Lahaul Valley, Baralacha, Chandra Valley, Parvati Valley, and the Prashar region in Mandi. These locations offer pristine slopes, challenging terrains, and the type of adventure that is sought after by ski enthusiasts worldwide.

Praveen noted, “The areas we are targeting, including Upper Mandi, Lahaul, Kinnaur, and Chamba, are ideal for SkiMo and ski touring – the world’s largest winter tourism activity. These regions have immense potential to not only foster world-class sports but also attract tourists from around the globe, boosting the local economy.”

A Legacy of Pioneering Ski Exploration in India

Praveen Sood’s appointment as President is particularly notable given his deep-rooted passion for ski exploration in India. A former national ski athlete and medalist, he has represented India internationally and is renowned for his expertise in avalanche safety and rescue. Over the years, he has led the charge in pioneering ski exploration across the Indian Himalayas, often venturing into areas that were previously uncharted in terms of winter sports.

Among his trailblazing feats, Praveen was the first to ski on untouched slopes in regions like Lahaul Valley, Baralacha, Chandra Valley, Parvati Valley, and Mandi’s Prashar. His passion also led him to explore the snow-covered terrains of Arunachal Pradesh, where he became the first person to ski near the Indo-Tibet border in Tawang.

Praveen’s efforts to establish SkiMo as a sport in India are seen as a game-changer, not just for winter sports enthusiasts but also for the tourism sector. “We will promote new areas and destinations to ensure the sport gets the attention it deserves, and tourism in these regions receives a significant boost,” he added.

A Step Forward: Advocacy for Local Support and National Events

As part of his plan to bring SkiMo into the mainstream, Praveen has been actively working with local stakeholders, including the government and administrators, to garner support for the sport. He has presented detailed proposals to local Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and regional authorities, emphasizing the vast benefits of SkiMo in driving both sports development and tourism growth.

Praveen’s strategic push aims to secure government backing for organizing national-level SkiMo events in Himachal Pradesh and beyond, bringing India into the global spotlight for winter sports.

A Proud Moment for Manali and the Nation

Praveen’s election as President of the National Ski Mountaineering Association is a historic moment not just for Manali, but for all of India. It reflects the growing recognition of the country’s untapped potential in winter sports, with SkiMo at the forefront of this revolution.

As events such as the Khelo India Winter Games and national championships continue to fuel the sport’s popularity, Praveen’s leadership is expected to propel India into the international arena, attracting global athletes, tourists, and adventurers to explore the beautiful but remote winter landscapes of the Indian Himalayas.

This milestone achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Praveen Sood and the entire local community, whose support will be crucial in realizing the true potential of SkiMo in India. With Praveen at the helm, the future of winter sports in India looks brighter than ever before.