Kashmir's 1st water skiing instructor imparts training to youth in Dal Lake

Aug 23, 2020

Srinagar (J-K), Aug 23 (ANI): Trained from the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), Mohd Shafi Ganai is imparting professional skills in water skiing to youth in the Kashmir Valley. Shafi who is first water skiing instructor in Kashmir, belongs to the Tangmarg area of Baramulla. Ganai was always interested in the water adventure since his childhood. Trainees turn up at Dal Lake for professional sessions. Speaking to ANI, Shafi said, "My father knew skiing and when I did it with him in my childhood, I got inspired and it became my passion. I wanted to go in this profession since I was 7-years old. Sports help you in keeping physically fit." "I studied in local government middle school of Tangmarg and completed class 10 from here then I got admission in Baba Payeem Din Higher Secondary School," Shafi added. He says that after completing class 12, he started his higher education from Gandhi Memorial College but he always inclined towards the sports adventure and water skiing was his favourite. Shafi has completed his graduation from Gandhi Memorial College in Srinagar. "Adventure is connected to nature and my passion was adventure. I started water skiing in 2004. So, I started my training in adventure sports like snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and water skiing and water surfing during my College days. In order to make adventure sports as a profession I got training from Indian institute of skiing and mountaineering," Ganai further stated. Shafi has played in many national-level skiing competitions at Gulmarg, Shimla and Uttarakhand. Speaking to ANI, a senior skier Manzoor Ahmad said, "We have worked hard for this profession and now we are training people in Dal Lake. I thank almighty for all this."