The 4th edition of the highly anticipated Khelo India Winter Games is set to kick off in Gulmarg on February 21, senior government official said on Wednesday.
Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, Nuzhat Gul, assured that all arrangements have been meticulously made to ensure the resounding success of the event.
In conversation with Rising Kashmir, Nuzhat Gul disclosed that the winter games will be held on February 21 and conclude on February 26. This year, 800 athletes are expected to participate, with each game featuring renowned players.
Originally scheduled for the first week of February, the national winter games faced rescheduling due to an extended dry spell in the Kashmir Valley lasting two months. Despite the delay, the administration has expressed confidence in delivering a memorable sporting event.
On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha officially launched the event’s logo and mascot and directed the concerned departments to work with dedication and enthusiasm. Notably, some games, including snow skating, ice hockey, and curling, have been shifted to Ladakh, while the main events will unfold at the Ski Resort Gulmarg.
A senior official from the Youth Services and Sports Department highlighted the accelerated preparations for this major sports event, emphasizing the government’s finalized plans for the smooth functioning of the Winter Games. The Lieutenant Governor has issued strict directives to ensure no negligence in providing facilities to athletes, with the entire event being closely monitored at higher levels. A recent general meeting discussed the comprehensive plans for execution.
During the logo unveiling, LG Manoj Sinha remarked, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UT of J&K has emerged as a preferred destination for winter sports.” The event, significant for Kashmir, has gained resounding success over the past four years. Sinha urged the concerned departments to work with dedication to make this year’s event even more alluring, emphasizing the provision of top-notch facilities to participating athletes.
Organised by the Youth Services and Sports Department in Jammu and Kashmir, with support from the Tourism Department in Kashmir, the Winter Games are expected to showcase the region’s commitment to promoting winter sports and emerge as a preferred destination for athletes nationwide.