Itanagar, Apr 1 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday said the northeastern state is set to host its maiden National Ski Mountaineering Championship in April.

In a post on X, Khandu asserted that the future of Indian winter sports is bright and “it begins in the Land of the Rising Sun”.

“A landmark moment for Indian winter sports and tourism! Arunachal Pradesh proudly announces the 1st Open National Ski Mountaineering Championship, along with an inaugural Ski & Snowboarding Training Programme, marking the historic debut of organised snow sports in the North East,” he said.

The CM said the state will conduct a training camp from April 5 to April 14, followed by the championship on April 15, which will bring together winter sports enthusiasts and athletes.

“This is a historic first, the beginning of snow sports in the region,” Khandu asserted.

The initiative will help position Arunachal Pradesh as a premier winter destination, while creating new avenues for aspiring athletes, he added.

According to officials, the training programme and championship are expected to introduce structured winter sports activities in Arunachal Pradesh and help identify and nurture talent from the region.

The initiative also aims to promote adventure tourism and attract national-level athletes and enthusiasts to the state’s high-altitude snowbound landscapes, they said. PTI UPL RBT