About this stamp
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.
