Bad weather disrupts sessions at skating rink

SHIMLA: Even though the lone natural ice skating rink in Shimla has been forced to wrap up its sessions of ice skating since Monday due to inclement weather conditions as incessant rain washed away the ice layering, sporting enthusiasts have expressed appreciation with 66-67 sessions held this season, as compared to just 56 sessions in 2011-2012.
Treasurer of the club Rajan Bhardwaj said, "January has been an eventful month this year.We organized more than 45-47 sessions in January itself. The sessions are not officially closed. One the weather betters, we would be able to ascertain whether to go ahead with more sessions in February or not."
Trials were initiated from December 4, 2012, and the skating rink had been abuzz with activities like the national ice-skating championship. Besides, training sequels for ice hockey were held in January and coaches had arrived from US, he said.
"Unlike the previous year when January saw intermittent snowfall and the sessions were frequently hindered, people enjoyed good skating this time," said an avid ice skater, Amanpreet. According to old-timers at the club, the sessions used to start around late November and the rink had more than 150 sessions. Sources said that 86 sessions were held in 2010-2011 and 77 in 2009-2010.