Kashmir,March 25, 2025 – In a groundbreaking moment for Indian snowboarding, two athletes from Jammu & Kashmir, Zubair Ahmad Lone and Mehraj Uddin Khan, have made their debut at the World Snowboard Championship 2025. The prestigious event, hosted at the renowned ski resort of St. Moritz from March 17 to March 30, pits them against the world’s elite snowboarders, marking a significant milestone for the sport in India.
Hailing from Tangmarg in Kashmir, Zubair and Mehraj earned their spots on the Indian team through dedication and standout performances in prior competitions. Zubair Ahmad Lone recently captured national attention by clinching India’s first gold medal in a snowboarding event in Lebanon earlier this month. Meanwhile, Mehraj Uddin Khan has proven his prowess with two bronze medals in slalom and giant slalom at a tournament in Serbia last year. Their journey to the world stage highlights the growing talent pool in Kashmir, a region increasingly recognized for its winter sports potential.
Farhat Naik, the coach of Team India, expressed immense pride in the duo’s achievement. “It’s absolutely great to see Kashmiri snowboarders making their mark on the international stage,” Naik said. “Qualifying for an event like the World Championship is a remarkable feat and a dream for every athlete. These boys have worked tirelessly, and their debut here is a testament to their skill and determination.”
The World Snowboard Championship 2025, organized by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), features disciplines such as slopestyle, halfpipe, big air, and snowboard cross, drawing over 1,500 athletes from across the globe. For Zubair and Mehraj, competing in this high-caliber event is not just a personal triumph but a chance to inspire a new generation of snowboarders in India.
Their participation comes at a time when snowboarding is gaining traction in the country, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, where the Himalayan slopes provide ideal conditions for the sport. The duo’s debut has already sparked excitement back home, with fans and aspiring athletes rooting for their success in Switzerland.
As of today, the championship is ongoing, and all eyes are on Zubair and Mehraj as they carve their names into India’s snowboarding history. Regardless of the outcome, their presence at St. Moritz signals a bright future for the sport in India, proving that talent from even the most remote corners can shine on the world stage.