Baramulla Athlete becomes first Indian snowboarder to compete in FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-12-05 12:54:02 |

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Suhail Khan

Tangmarg, Dec 5: Zubair Lone of Qazipora, Tangmarg, has made national sporting history by becoming the first Indian snowboarder to qualify for the FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup.

Rising from the slopes of Gulmarg, Lone will now compete among the world’s top alpine snowboarders, transforming a local passion into a global breakthrough and paving a new path for Indian winter sports.

Kashmir based newspaper Kashmir Convener reported that Lone will represent India at the season-opening event at the Mylin Ski Resort in China on December 6 and 7. The competition will feature the world’s top one hundred alpine snowboard athletes.

"I grew up in Tangmarg and Gulmarg, where snow shapes every season and daily life. Today, I stand on the world stage for India with a clear focus: to put India on the global snowboarding map," Lone said.

“I carry both responsibility and pride when I wear the national flag,” he added.

“My immediate target is to finish among the top thirty-two athletes, which is crucial for qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics.”

Lone emphasized that his rigorous training has focused on technique, equipment, and fitness. He noted that his World Cup entry not only raises the competitive standard for Indian athletes but also opens a pathway for others to pursue elite snowboarding.

Notably, the China event carries significant weight for qualification to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Fourteen subsequent World Cup events across Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Canada, Poland, Slovenia, and Bulgaria will determine the final rankings. Only the top thirty-two athletes across the series will secure Olympic berths, with each race impacting critical qualification points.