BUDGAM: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, S F Hamid asserted that Budgam district has the potential to become as an ‘All season Tourist destination', and tapping this virgin potential for round the year tourism activities is the priority of the District Administration.

The DC expressed these views while throwing open the maiden 15 days Basic Snow Ski course at Yousmarg.

He said that the district being in the proximity of Srinagar and housing Kashmir's only airport can attract a huge chunk of tourist footfall round the year.

The programme has been organised by the Youth Services and Sports (YS&S) department in collaboration with District Administration Budgam. Over 60 students from across the valley are participating in it.

Lauding the role of the YS&S department, the DC said that holding Ski events at Yousmarg will not only promote the winter sports but will pave the way for organizing a chain of activities to woo more and more tourists to this beautiful tourist destination. He assured full cooperation and support from District Administration to ensure successful conduct of the course.

SF Hamid said that under the vision of ‘Khelo India' programme, a series of sports activities have been already conducted in the district and special focus is being given to promote sports culture among our youth.

He said Yousmarg has huge potential to be promoted as the best winter sports tourist destination for which all basic infrastructure shall be established soon.

The DC said that sports related facilities are being created in every village to channelize talent and energy of youth for healthy activities so that they can represent the UT at national and international level.

Later while interacting with the participants, the DC congratulated and encouraged them for their interest in adventure sport. He stressed upon the young trainees to work hard during the course to grasp necessary knowledge and skills.

This initiative was appreciated by BDC Members, JD YSS, CEO YDA, SDM Chadoora, DYSSO Budgam, International Ski players, and other civil society members who were present to witness this winter sports activity.

JD YSS Kashmir, Bashir Ahmad; DYSSO Budgam, Gurmukh Singh Dutta also spoke on the occasion.