India will host a rare three-day cross-country ski competition in revolt-hit Kashmir next month featuring participants from around the world, a top official said Thursday. The event, dubbed the "International cross-country ski competition," will be held in Kashmir's northern ski resort of Gulmarg between February 19 and 21, Mohammed Salim Beigh, the head of region's tourism department, told AFP.
"Nearly 35 to 40 participants and officials from 11 countries will come for the race," Beigh said, adding it was the first time Kashmir would host an international ski event.
Kashmir is in the grip of an insurgency against Indian rule that has so far left thousands dead. Before the outbreak of insurgency in 1989, Kashmir hosted two one-day cricket matches where India played Australia and the West Indies, but other international sporting events have been rare.
"There will be awards and prize money for the participants," said Beigh. He said the prize money to be distributed was still being decided.
Skiers from North Korea, South Korea, Turkey, Bhutan, New Zealand, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Uzbekistan and Australia will arrive in Kashmir for the championship.
Beside foreign participants, an Indian team will also feature in the event.
India last year held its national winter games in Gulmarg, regarded as India's best ski resort.
Beigh hoped the event would give a fillip to the Himalayan region's once thriving tourist industry.
"The participants will take home the message that Kashmir is very beautiful and that everyone should make a visit," he said.