Adventure Sports: Skiing

Adventure Sports: Skiing

Technical Data

Stamp Set Adventure Sports
Date of Issue April 29, 1992
Denomination Rs. 11
Quantity 600000
Perforation comb 13½ x 13
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1352

Stamp Number IN 1409

Yvert et Tellier IN 1150

Stanley Gibbons IN 1502

Themes

Adventure Sports: Skiing

Adventure sports have captured the imagination worldwide, with skiing being one of the oldest and most exciting of these activities.

Skiing

Historical Background:

  • Ancient Origins: Skis are believed to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, with early examples discovered in bogs in Sweden and Finland.
  • Modern Popularity: Skiing gained traction in Europe and North America at the beginning of the 20th century and was introduced as an Olympic sport in the 1924 Games.

Current Status in India:

  • Major Winter Sport: Skiing has become a prominent winter sport in India, particularly in regions like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • National Competitions: An annual national competition is held in Auli, while the Winter Games Federation has organized a championship in Gulmarg.

Innovations:

  • Hell-Skiing: This adventurous variant involves skiers being dropped on mountain peaks or ridges by helicopter and skiing down. India pioneered this in Asia by introducing it in Manali in 1988.

Designs:

  • Stamps and First Day Cover: The stamps and First Day Cover featuring skiing have been designed by R.N. Pasricha.
  • Cancellation: The cancellation design has been created by Alka Sharma.

Text: Based on material provided by Vijay Seth.

Skiing represents a blend of ancient tradition and modern excitement, with India embracing both traditional and innovative aspects of this thrilling sport.