Shimla, Dec 8,
The heritage natural ice rink in Shimla is set for another season of winter sports, with the first trial session of ice skating conducted today.
“The trial session took place today,” confirmed Manpreet Singh, current Secretary of the Shimla Ice Skating Club. He noted that last year, the skating season commenced around the same time on December 12th and continued until the first week of February.
Singh expressed optimism that the anticipated westerly disturbance, expected to break the prolonged dry spell, will benefit the natural ice rink. “The wet weather will increase dew formation, further lowering temperatures and facilitating the creation of a better ice surface in the coming days,” he stated.
Dew plays a crucial role in the natural freezing process of the ice rink. Historically, the Shimla Ice Rink was the only natural ice skating rink in Southeast Asia. While other natural rinks have emerged in places like Kaza, Kalpa, Manali, and Ladakh, the Shimla rink holds a special place in history.
This may be the last season for the natural ice rink in its current form. Next year, authorities plan to upgrade the premises into a multi-floor complex, incorporating an all-season ice skating rink as one of its features.
Originally a tennis court, the rink was transformed into a natural ice skating haven in 1920 under the vision of Irish military official Blessington. Nestled on the town’s northern side, the rink quickly became an iconic symbol of Shimla’s winter charm and a hub for winter sports, attracting both locals and tourists.
The rink’s cultural significance extends beyond Shimla, having featured in Bollywood films such as “Woh Kaun Thi?” and “Mera Naam Joker.”
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