Turkish skier steals the show on first day of Naltar Ski Cup

NALTAR: Turkish skier Usta Berkin dominated his opponents in the men’s giant slalom category during the opening day of the 3rd Chief Air Staff (CAS) Karakoram International Alpine Ski Cup being held at the scenic Pakistan Air Force (PAF) ski resort in Naltar.

Ukrainian skiers Tsibelekno Levko and Nariichyn Andriy remained second and third respectively in the same category of the event.

In the women’s giant slalom event, Ukraine proved invincible as two Ukrainian skiers Tikun Tetyana and Anastasia Gorbunova got the first and second positions, respectively. Pakistan’s talented skier Umama Wali finished third in the category.

It was surprising to see the Bosnian Ambassador to Pakistan Saqib Foric racing alongside top ranking skiers from the world. Both Pakistani Winter Olympians Muhammad Abbas and Muhammad Karim were also seen in action on the treacherous slope of Naltar.

The event has jointly been organised by Pakistan Air Force and Winter Sport Federation of Pakistan to promote winter sports and tourism.

In this grand event, 40 skiers from 13 countries including Pakistan, Greece, Afghanistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan are participating.

This event is expected to lend a new lease of life to the tourism industry of Pakistan and open doors for the revival of international sports in the country.