ISLAMABAD: : The winter sports season kicked off at the picturesque valley of Naltar today with enthusiastic skiers from all over Pakistan arriving at the PAF Ski Resort, Naltar.

PAF skiers proved their dominance on the opening day, as they clinched 5 medals in the 15th Shah Khan Alpine Ski Cup, being held in freezing temperatures. In Slalom category, PAF's talented skier Naveed won the gold, while his teammates Ishtiaq and Ashfaq earned silver and bronze medals respectively.

PAF skiers also showed their class in the Giant Slalom category races as well. Both Gold and silver medals in the category were won by Ishtiaq and Ashfaq from PAF team, whereas Swat's Ahsan claimed the bronze medal.

Around 100 national skiers from all over the country are participating in the much awaited winter sports, which are conducted each year in the magnificent Naltar ski resort under the auspices of PAF and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan.

Teams of PAF, Pak Army, GB Scouts, Swat, Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Islamabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Higher Education Commission, Civil Aviation Authority and Alpine Club are participating in various events like Alpine Skiing, Snow Boarding, Ice Hockey and Ice Skating.

Pakistan Air Force and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan jointly arrange these events each year in a bid to promote winter sports in the country and sports tourism in snowy mountains of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.—PR