3rd edition of Khelo India National Winter Games begins at Gulmarg

Gulmarg: The 3rd edition of the Khelo India National Winter Games began at Gulmarg yesterday with a message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the participating players.

The mega sports event was declared open in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur.

During the biggest winter sports tournament, more than 1500 Athletes from all over the country will compete in 11 different winter sports disciplines. Union Sports Minister, Shri Anurag Thakur lauded the J&K Government for developing sports facilities at the grassroots level and achieving unprecedented progress in the sports sector in a short span of time.

Mr. Thakur while addressing the audience said what Jammu and Kashmir have done in the world of sports in just three years is a matter of great pride. He said Indoor stadiums have been built in every district and every village has a playground. 

The Union Minister said that once there used to be incidents of stone pelting, today football, wushu and various sports are played there and this is the picture of new Jammu & Kashmir. 

He assured full support and cooperation in developing the Center of Excellence for the Winter Games in the



Union Territory. He said it is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create sporting infrastructure across India. He said the setting up of a National Centre of Excellence in the valley will support the athletes of J&K.

In his address, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s message and blessings to the players participating in the 3rd Khelo India National Winter Games will encourage & inspire them. 

Mr.Sinha on behalf of the people of J&K welcomed the players, officials and sports enthusiasts and invited all the guests, who have come from every corner of the country to enjoy J&K’s hospitality, to enjoy the games and to enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of Jammu Kashmir.

He said the welfare of sportspersons is our priority and maintained that special efforts are being made to ensure a dignified life for our sportspersons and to encourage youth to choose sports as a career. He said the participation of more than 50 lakh youth in various sporting events last year is a testimony to this commitment.

On the occasion, Lt Governor and Union Sports Minister e-launched 40 Khelo India Centres across Jammu Kashmir. The Centres have been dedicated to all the budding sportspersons of J&K.