The winter wonderland of Gulmarg witnessed a grand inauguration of the 4th Khelo India Winter Games by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The world-famous ski resort played host to more than 600 athletes from across the country, showcasing their prowess in various winter sports disciplines. The event, spread over the next four days, promises to be a celebration of hard work, skills, dedication, and sporting excellence on the pristine slopes of Gulmarg. Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs, graced the occasion, adding to the prestige of the event. In his address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his best wishes to the athletes and highlighted the significance of the occasion. “It is a momentous occasion for more than 600 athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor invited the participants, team officials, and sports enthusiasts to revel in the warm hospitality of Jammu and Kashmir, experience the thrill of Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, and snow Mountaineering competitions, and savor the incredible sights and cuisine of the paradise on earth. “The 4th Khelo India Winter Games, over the next four days, will honor the hard work, skills, dedication, and sporting excellence on the ski slope, and I am confident it will renew the spirit of brotherhood, peace, and harmony among all the teams,” the Lt Governor emphasized. The inaugural ceremony also provided an opportunity for the Lt Governor to shed light on the government’s efforts to promote a robust sports culture in both cities and villages of the Union Territory. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a new era of sports has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lt Governor highlighted the renewed focus on state-of-the-art infrastructure and allied facilities that have given a substantial impetus to the sports sector in the region. “Our talented sportspersons have proved their mettle in national and international sports events. Their achievements are inspiring the budding athletes to bring laurels to the UT and the nation,” he stated. The Lt Governor also expressed gratitude to the Government of India, Union Sports Ministry, and Sports Authority of India for their unwavering support and cooperation. Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the Khelo India Winter Games event through a video message. He encouraged participating athletes to give their best in the tournament. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs, Nisith Pramanik, praised the Lt Governor led UT Administration for developing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, setting a milestone for other states as well. The event witnessed the presence of eminent personalities such as Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, J&K KVIB; Maj Gen J. Fernandes, HAWS; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Youth Services & Sports; Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, along with senior officials, representatives of Sports Authority of India, various sports organizations, prominent sports personalities, and sports enthusiasts in large numbers.
“In the realm of the Khelo India Winter Games, the participation of over 600 players and officials has taken on a new level of prestige, with the added distinction of six Olympians not merely officiating the event but also contributing their vast experience to train athletes and offer technical guidance to organizers. The involvement of Olympians has significantly heightened the importance of the 4th Edition of the Khelo India Winter Games. Basking in sunny weather, the winter games unfolded seamlessly as scheduled events spanned across all four disciplines. The day showcased exhilarating competitions and remarkable performances by participants engaged in various snow sports events.”
As the snow sports extravaganza unfolds over the next few days, it is expected to leave an indelible mark, not just in the realm of winter sports but also in fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among athletes from diverse backgrounds. The 4th Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is set to be more than a competition; it is a celebration of the spirit of sportsmanship and the beauty of the paradise on earth. In the realm of the Khelo India Winter Games, the participation of over 600 players and officials has taken on a new level of prestige, with the added distinction of six Olympians not merely officiating the event but also contributing their vast experience to train athletes and offer technical guidance to organizers. The involvement of Olympians has significantly heightened the importance of the 4th Edition of the Khelo India Winter Games. Basking in sunny weather, the winter games unfolded seamlessly as scheduled events spanned across all four disciplines. The day showcased exhilarating competitions and remarkable performances by participants engaged in various snow sports events. At the Golf Course, the Nordic Skiing event unfolded, while Alpine Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, and Snowboard sports captivated audiences at Kangdoori. In the overall medal tally, encompassing both Phase 01 in Ladakh and Phase 2 in Gulmarg, Karnataka is leading with eight gold and two silver medals, closely followed by Maharashtra with six gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals. Demonstrating consistent excellence, the Army secures the third position with a medal count of 4 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze. Highlighting notable achievements, Padma Namgial of the Indian Army secured the gold medal in the men’s 15kms Nordic Skiing category, with Manjeet and Rameez Ahmad Padder claiming silver and bronze, respectively. The medals were presented by the esteemed six-time Olympian Sheva Keshavan, who praised the athletes for their outstanding performances. In the Ski Mountaineering Relay at Kangdoori in the Men’s Category, the Army claimed Gold, Uttarakhand secured Silver, and J&K took Bronze. In the Women’s category of the same event, Himachal Pradesh secured gold, and J&K achieved silver. In men’s Alpine Skiing Giant Slalom, Baqir Hussain of the Army secured gold, Pranav of Himachal claimed silver, and Debendra Gurgung, also from the Army, secured the bronze. Similarly, in the Snowboard event at Kangdoori for men, Kulvinder Sharma and Karan Singh of the Army clinched gold and silver medals, respectively, while Mehraj ud din Khan secured bronze. In the women’s category of the same event, Himachal Pradesh dominated with Preeti Thakur, Pakarti Thakur, and Deepika Thakur securing gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik, felicitated the winners and praised their accomplishments. The athletes acknowledged the logistical support provided by the administration and various associations involved in organizing the Khelo India Winter Games. Rameez Padder, a Nordic Skier from J&K, emphasized the role of sports in keeping youth away from drugs and encouraged more youth to engage in sports activities. He also expressed hope for the participation of foreign athletes, promoting the games and harnessing the potential of youngsters.
“The Khelo India Winter Games in Kashmir promotes not just a sporting lifestyle but also encourages a holistic approach to well-being, inspiring individuals to embrace winter sports for improved physical fitness and overall health.”
Kashmir Horizon View: Beyond the sporting arena, events like the Khelo India Winter Games in Kashmir play a crucial role in contributing to the development of sports, positively impacting tourism, infrastructure, community morale, and garnering international recognition for the region. The staging of such events in Kashmir serves diverse purposes, attracting attention and tourists to the region while fostering cultural exchange and understanding among athletes from different parts of the country. The need for state-of-the-art infrastructure not only aids in hosting successful events but also contributes to the overall development of the region. Furthermore, the international recognition gained from hosting such events enhances the global reputation of the area, paving the way for future global connections. Ultimately, the Khelo India Winter Games in Kashmir promotes not just a sporting lifestyle but also encourages a holistic approach to well-being, inspiring individuals to embrace winter sports for improved physical fitness and overall health.
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