The ski-resort of Gulmarg on Sunday added a new chapter to India’s adventure sports story by hosting the country’s first-ever International Downhill Mountain Biking Event under the Zabarvan Legends Series.
The slopes of Gulmarg turned into a thrilling race track as professional riders from Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Iran, and Nepal competed in this landmark event.
The event drew widespread attention for its scale and organisation. It showcased Gulmarg’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for adventure tourism. The initiative marked a new beginning for Jammu and Kashmir, combining sport and tourism to attract global participation.
Sports Minister Satish Sharma, who inaugurated the event, called it a historic moment for India’s sporting map. He said that such initiatives open new doors for athletes and adventure enthusiasts while strengthening the valley’s tourism economy. Sharma announced plans to make the event an annual feature and said similar activities could be held two or three times a year to boost sports tourism.
He said new ventures like water sports and mountain biking show the government’s focus on diversifying the tourism profile of Jammu and Kashmir. The minister also mentioned plans to expand into inter-school, inter-university, and North Zone-level events to promote local participation.
The event received full support from the Tourism Department and the Gulmarg Development Authority. Organisers worked under tight schedules to make the event possible.
Satish Sharma congratulated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Tourism Department, the Gulmarg Development Authority, and organizer Sunil Shetty for their effort and determination. He praised Shetty and his team for managing an international-level event in such a short time.
“I salute their passion and commitment. They have been pioneers in starting something new on the land of Jammu and Kashmir,” Sharma said. He added that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, a known sports lover, could not attend due to prior commitments but would likely join future editions.
Sharma said the government would continue to back sports tourism, calling it “plan B” for Jammu and Kashmir’s sustainable growth. He expressed confidence that such international events will not only boost tourism but also inspire youth participation in adventure sports.
