Kashmir’s Icestock Star Shines Again as Faheem Masood Shah Bags Four Medals at Gulmarg Nationals

The winter slopes of Gulmarg once again witnessed a strong sporting statement as Kashmir’s Faheem Masood Shah clinched two gold and two silver medals at the 12th Senior National Icestock Sport Championship 2026, held from January 23–26. The four‑medal sweep not only reaffirmed Faheem’s national dominance in IcestockSport but also spotlighted the growing yet under‑resourced ecosystem of winter sports talent in Jammu & Kashmir.

His latest achievement comes at a time when policymakers and sports bodies are being urged to rethink winter sports infrastructure in India. Faheem’s consistent performances suggest that the Valley has the potential to produce elite‑level winter athletes, provided the right institutional support and training environments are established.

Born in 1992 in Batmaloo, Srinagar, Faheem has been widely recognized as one of the earliest and most influential figures in India’s IcestockSport movement. Over the last decade, he has helped shape India’s identity in a sport largely dominated by Europe, competing in more than 200 international matches across Austria, Germany, and other competitive circuits.

He was first introduced to IcestockSport in 2014 during a winter event in Gulmarg, transitioning from football, cricket, rugby, and athletics into a precision‑driven discipline that would ultimately define his sporting trajectory.

Alongside his athletic pursuits, Faheem earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering (B.Tech) and a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science (M.Tech). He is also a Google‑certified UX Designer and has worked in the software and UI/UX space, making him a rare blend of scientific education and competitive sport.

A major breakthrough came in 2025 during the World Icestock Championship in Austria, where Faheem helped India secure a Team Bronze, a 4th‑place finish in Team Long Distance, and a Top‑7 world ranking — one of India’s strongest global performances to date.

Beyond competition, Faheem contributes to community‑level development through the Vaadi E Kashmir Foundation, supporting youth empowerment, digital literacy, and winter sports initiatives across the Valley.

Career Results Overview