In pics: Kashmir's cold waves no bar for skating championship

 | Updated: Jan 01, 2019, 12:01 PM IST

The bitter cold of Jammu and Kashmir breaks a three-decade record. However, 15th National Ice Speed Skating Championships organised by the Ice Skating Association of India, New Delhi (ISAI) remains unaffected.

'Chilly' J&K

On Monday,  severe cold waves again gripped the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region after a day's rest, the MET office informed.

The minimum temperature was minus 6.6 degree Celsius in Srinagar, while it was minus 5.5 degree Celsius in Pahalgam, and minus 5 degree Celsius in Gulmarg, an official said.

(Photograph:PTI)

Coldest night in three decades

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on December 27 at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius. The scenic Dal Lake of Kashmir was reported to have frozen.

The mercury rose half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on December 28.

(Photograph:PTI)

15th Ice Skating Championship

The Skating Championships started at GDA Ice Skating Rink at Gulmarg on December 30. 

(Photograph:Zee News Network)

Pre-competition camp

Before the contest, a pre-competition coaching camp was organised by the Ice Skating Association of India, New Delhi (ISAI). The camp started on December 25.

It is being held under the supervision of Shabir Ahmad Wani, a prominent winter sports athlete and former Assistant Director Youth Services and Sports.

(Photograph:Zee News Network)
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40-day harsh winter

The Kashmir Valley is facing a 40-day long period of harsh winter cold called the 'Chillai Kalan'. Every year, it starts on December 21 and ends on January 30.

(Photograph:PTI)

Chilly Kargil and Leh

The minimum temperature in Leh was recorded to be minus 14 degree Celsius and Kargil was at minus 17.2 degree Celsius.

(Photograph:PTI)