Kashmir Runner Muzamil Hussain Mir Clinches Bronze at Ciaspolada Snowshoe Race in Italy | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s leading long-distance runner, Muzamil Hussain Mi,r has added another international accolade to his career by securing third position at the 52nd Ciaspolada–2026, one of the world’s oldest and most competitive international snowshoe races, held in Italy.

Competing in the toughest category of the event, Muzamil went up against elite snowshoe athletes from across the globe and delivered a standout performance in sub-zero temperatures and demanding terrain to win the bronze medal. His podium finish brought recognition to Jammu and Kashmir as well as to India on the international winter sports stage.

Officials associated with the event said the race conditions were among the most challenging, with freezing weather testing both endurance and technique. Despite these odds, Muzamil ensured he returned with a medal, further cementing his reputation as one of the region’s most accomplished endurance athletes.

The latest achievement adds to an already impressive sporting record. Muzamil had earlier won a bronze medal at the World Snowshoe Championship in Japan in 2020, secured multiple medals at the Khelo India Winter Games, finished on the podium several times at national championships, and recently emerged as Jammu and Kashmir’s top marathon runner at the Kashmir Marathon 2025.

While preparing for the Italian event, Muzamil faced challenges in securing sponsorship from major corporate houses in Kashmir. He ultimately received critical backing from NITians Career Institute, with additional support from Jammu and Kashmir SnowShoe Association vice president Advocate Suhaib Mir and joint secretary Amandeep Singh. He was formally flagged off from Kashmir by MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq.

India also registered a strong overall presence at the Ciaspolada, with Dhani Malhotra winning the junior girls’ category, Aashna Chaudhary finishing runner-up in the same segment, Ankit Khokhar securing fourth place, and Akshir Singh Kush finishing fifth place in the junior boys’ category, while Anjum Chaudhary finished fifth in the senior women’s race.

Reflecting on his performance, Muzamil described the race as the toughest of his career, saying the extreme cold and high-quality competition pushed him to his limits. He said he managed to run better than his best-ever timing and pace, despite temperatures remaining below zero throughout the race.

Calling the medal a major milestone, Muzamil said winning a podium finish at the world’s oldest and biggest snowshoe race was a huge achievement for him. He expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey, including Tanvir Sadiq, NITians’ Sheikh Mubashir, and officials of the Jammu and Kashmir SnowShoe Association.