In a trailblazing moment for Indian snowboarding, Zubair Ahmad Lone from Qazipora Tangmarg, Baramulla, etched his name in history by clinching India’s first-ever silver medal in the FIS Alpine Snowboard Race held in Serbia.
Competing in the senior category, Lone’s steller performance against world-class athletes has catapulted him into the spotlight, inspiring a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts in Kashmir and beyond.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir from Serbia, an elated Lone shared his aspirations, stating, “This remarkable performance has boosted my confidence for future events. I am now focusing on the World Championship in Switzerland this March and the upcoming World Cup races in Europe.”
The event witnessed participation from 45 athletes representing various countries, with 20 competitors in Lone’s senior category.
The gold medal was claimed by a snowboarder from the Czech Republic, while Lone narrowly missed the gold medal by just 0.83 seconds, bringing home silver medal for India, The bronze medal went to a Serbian athlete.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Tangmarg, which has already gained recognition on the international stage.
Last year, Mehraj Ud Din Khan, also known as Jay Khan, bagged a bronze medal in the same event, showing the region’s growing prominence in snowboarding.
Zubair’s journey to the international arena has been fuelled by the support of the Delhi-based NGO Span Foundation and Zabarvan Mount Sports, which provided him with cutting-edge equipment and essential resources.
He stressed the importance of nurturing budding athletes to sustain and expand the region’s snowboarding legacy.
“There’s immense talent in Kashmir,” Lone said, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure. “Access to modern equipment, well-maintained slopes, and professional training camps, especially in Gulmarg, is crucial for nurturing future champions.”
Zubair’s Journey is an inspiration for young athletes across the country. With his sights set on the Olympics and other major international competitions, Lone is being seen a role model for the athletes of Kashmir.
