SHIMLA: Shimla Ice Skating Club, recognized as Asia's oldest open-air natural ice skating rink, is gearing up for the commencement of its much-anticipated ice skating season, starting today. The club members bat for making the rink as an all-weather skating rink.
The Executive Committee of the Shimla Ice Skating Club has officially declared the opening day as Friday, the 15th of December, 2023.
The members also declared their action plan to make it as an all-weather rink promoting a culture of ice skating and adventure sports among the youth to excel in national and international events.
In a bid to modernize Shimla's iconic ice skating rink, the Ice Skating Club faced a setback on Friday as trial sessions were impeded by cloud cover preventing the formation of a frosty layer.
The club's secretary, Manpreet Singh Sembhi, expressed optimism for upcoming clear weather to conduct trials in the coming days.
The Ice Skating Club is striving to convert the existing natural ice rink, currently reliant on open-air artificial freezing, into a state-of-the-art All-Weather Ice Skating Rink under the A.D.B. funded project. The necessary DPR (Detailed Project Report) is prepared, and the tendering process is underway, with expectations that the transformation will commence in the next fiscal year.
Addressing the media on Friday, Manpreet Singh Sembhi conveyed that despite the current reliance on natural ice formation due to the open-air artificial setup, efforts are underway to refurbish the rink comprehensively.
The project, estimated at a cost of 45 crores, includes international standard expansions and the installation of a refrigeration plant to ensure year-round ice skating opportunities.
During the press conference, key members of the organization, including Secretary Rajat Malhotra, Treasurer RamaniK Goyal, and members Pankaj Prabhakar, Abhay Dogra, Jay Dev Sharma, Sudip Mahajan, and Chetan Sood, were present.
The club urges prompt initiation of the project by the state government to offer a world-class facility for both local skaters and tourists throughout the year.
This upcoming ice skating season promises to attract enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, providing them with a platform to showcase their ice skating prowess.
The club, nestled in the picturesque Shimla, invites individuals from all walks of life to test their skills on the ice, offering a broad exposure to various forms of ice skating, including figure skating.
Under the guidance of the Executive Committee, the club aims to foster a spirit of participation and learning.
Skaters of all levels can engage in the upcoming winter games, presenting a unique opportunity to earn accolades.
The diverse array of ice skating styles showcased at the Shimla Ice Skating Club reflects the global nature of the sport, drawing inspiration from various states and countries around the world.
As the curtains rise on this exciting season, enthusiasts are encouraged to embrace the thrill of ice skating, contribute to the vibrant atmosphere, and partake in the camaraderie that transcends geographical boundaries.
