SRINAGAR, OCT 3: Jammu and Kashmir’s growing footprint in international winter sports received a significant boost with the SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI) appointing senior sports administrator and Vice President of the J&K SnowShoe Association Arif Laigaroo as Team Manager of the Indian contingent for the World SnowShoe Championship-2027, scheduled to be held in Fondo, Italy, on January 5, 2027.
The appointment entrusts Laigaroo with the crucial responsibility of managing and coordinating the Indian contingent at the international championship. The appointment letter was issued by SSFI Senior Vice President Harish Kumar, formally assigning him responsibility for the team’s coordination and participation at the prestigious global event.
Laigaroo brings valuable international experience to the assignment. He had earlier served as an official with the Indian team at the World SnowShoe Championship-2019, also held in Fondo, Italy, under the aegis of the World SnowShoe Federation. His familiarity with the championship venue, international competition environment and SnowShoe administration is expected to assist the Indian contingent during its preparations and participation.
His appointment comes at an important stage for the development of SnowShoe running in India, with the national federation preparing athletes for the 2027 World Championship. As Team Manager, Laigaroo will oversee coordination related to the Indian team, beginning with the National Coaching Camp scheduled in Srinagar from October 7 to 10, 2026, where shortlisted athletes will undergo preparation for the international event.
Speaking after his appointment, Laigaroo described the responsibility as an honour and said his priority would be to ensure that athletes receive the necessary support, coordination and preparation ahead of the world championship.
He said the potential of SnowShoe running extends beyond competitive sport, particularly in India’s mountainous and snowbound regions, where the discipline can combine sports participation, adventure activities, youth engagement and winter tourism.
Laigaroo also underlined the need to create a structured development pathway for Indian athletes, saying the immediate objective would be to prepare the selected contingent for the World Championship while simultaneously working towards a broader ecosystem for the sport in the country.
According to Laigaroo, greater emphasis needs to be placed on talent identification, grassroots participation, coaching, equipment availability and regular competitive exposure so that athletes from different parts of India can enter the national and international sporting circuit.
He further highlighted the physical demands of the discipline, noting that SnowShoe running requires a combination of endurance, strength, balance and determination, while sustained coaching and exposure could help Indian athletes compete effectively at international events.
The J&K sports administrator also stressed the importance of taking the discipline to young athletes and communities in mountain and snow-covered regions. He said development of appropriate infrastructure, access to equipment and a structured competition calendar could provide fresh sporting opportunities for youth in such areas.
The World SnowShoe Championship-2027 in Fondo is expected to bring together athletes from several countries and provide an international platform for SnowShoe runners. The Indian contingent will participate under the aegis of the SnowShoe Federation of India, which is affiliated with the World SnowShoe Federation.
Laigaroo’s appointment also places a J&K sports administrator at the centre of India’s preparations for a major international SnowShoe event, with the upcoming Srinagar coaching camp set to mark the first major phase of the contingent’s build-up to the championship in Italy.
