Skiing and other winter sports are accorded special importance in foreign nations. The facilities provided to skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts are better in such countries, said local skier Kuldeep Dimri who represented India in the recently concluded FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Sweden.
Dimri was attracted to skiing since his early childhood and began skiing using wooden planks as a kid on the slopes of Auli near Joshimath. In the recently concluded championships at Sweden, Dimri secured 53rd position out of 70 competitors in Nordic race.
Dimri, who got recruited in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force in his youth, has won three medals — gold, silver and bronze in national level ski competitions. He said that in order to compete in the world championships, he had to qualify for it in the International Ski Federation (FIS) race held in Iran.
Speaking about his experience in Sweden, he said that the Government there accords special focus to skiing. Appreciating the slopes of Auli near Joshimath, he said that an international level competition can be held here successfully if the Government has the will and necessary resources.
Pointing out that the State Government had not accorded any recognition to him for his performance at the national and international levels, Dimri said that people remain apathetic towards skiing in Uttarakhand whereas in many foreign nations it is popular as a major sport.