ISLAMABAD: Phander Trouts secured victory in the girls’ category, defeating Yasin Janbaz to claim the ice hockey title at the NLC Phander Winter Sports Festival in the Northern Areas.

In the men’s final, Phander Trouts emerged victorious overcoming GB Scouts in an exciting contest on the concluding day of the event.

Organised by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) in collaboration with the Phander Winter Sports Club and Ghizer Support Network, the festival aimed to promote traditional winter sports and tourism in the region.

The event attracted a large number of visitors from across Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country, creating socio-economic activity and offering locals a seasonal entertainment.

The festival featured ice hockey competitions for both men and women, alongside other traditional winter games.

A key highlight of the festival was participation of women, with a significant number of girls exhibiting their sporting skills particularly in ice hockey — an important step towards women inclusivity in winter sports.