More than 10 players from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K were members of the exposure camp funded by International Ski and Snowboard Federation in Italy.
Talented youngsters from the Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, were invited by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) for a 21-day exposure camp in the Northern Italian Cities of Dobbiaco and Cortina to prepare for the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games and 2030 Winter Olympic Games.
According to Ajay Bhatt, an official with the Indian team, the camp began on January 14 and will conclude on February 3. “It was a good exposure tour for promising Indian players,” Bhatt told Sportsbackstory.com over phone from Italy. “The exposure camp under the aegis of the World governing body for winter sports will continue in future to prepare for upcoming international winter sports competition. The main focus will be to prepare teenagers for the 2028 Youth Olympic Games in Italy and 2030 Winter Olympic Games in France.”
The age group for Youth Games is between 15 to 18 years. “It is important for teenagers to learn the values of Winter Olympic Games,” Bhatt said.
For the 2026 Winter Olympic Games starting February 6 in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina. India has got two quota places in Alpine Skiing in the Winter Olympic Games that will conclude February 22.
Apart from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, youngsters from Jammu and Kashmir region have also been invited for the exposure camp in Italy, Bhatt said. “All the players are under-21,” he added. “Along with players two coaches (one male and one female) were also included in the camp.”
The FIS had also conducted exposure tour for Indian players ahead of the 2025 Asian Games held in China, Bhatt added.
FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) is recognised by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). FIS, the world governing body is responsible for setting guidelines for competition rules. Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined and Freestyle Skiing and snowboarding are disciplines that come under FIS.
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