Snow, after all, is a physical barrier. It can obstruct anything, in fact in more ways than rain. If it freezes early, it means it will last longer. Snow has its own set of games, they are called winter games. These games keep Gulmarg busy.
There are people, however, who have defied the evolved logic. They even play cricket.
For the past five years, ace cricketers in Gurez have been organizing ice cricket tournaments amid shivering cold and sub-zero temperature. The organisers say there is no dearth of talent and sports lovers in Kashmir.
Gurez has historically been seen (especially after 1947) as a godforsaken place. Located in deep Harmukh range, about 123 km from Srinagar, this breathtaking set of valleys remains cut-off from the rest of the world for almost six months. The pass linking it with Kashmir, the Razdan Pass gets too much of snow.
Amid this situation and atmosphere, cricketers leave their homes as soon as the sun scatters its rays on the snow-capped mountains and walk towards Markoot village. Markoot is one of the few central villages where the temperature falls even below -15 degrees celsius.
This story is from the January 24, 2021 edition of Kashmir Life.
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This story is from the January 24, 2021 edition of Kashmir Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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