Srinagar, Feb 14: The snow-adorned Gulmarg is all set to host the fourth edition of Khelo India National Winter Games 2024. The ski resort of Gulmarg, encompassing the captivating snow-clad meadows, is reflecting impetus for the upcoming national gaming event. As Gulmarg gears up for the event, comprehensive and adequate arrangements have been put in place by the UT administration to ensure a hassle free and successful sports event. Union Minister for Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur is expected to inaugurate the Khelo India Games 2024 at Gulmarg.
The Khelo India Winter Games will commence from February 21 and a total of 800 athletes from 20 states of the country are expected to compete in Snowboarding, Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski and Snow Mountaineering competitions during the event.
The Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul revealed that Khelo India games will be held till February 26.She said that the athletes from other parts of the country will be arriving in the valley from February 18 onwards while all necessary arrangements were being made for the smooth conduct of the sports event.
The officials from the J&K Sports council revealed that Gulmarg was abuzz with the preparation for the thrill of the adventurous winter games while efforts have been initiated in full swing to make people aware of the national gaming event.
“Adequate arrangements are being put in place by the administration to ensure a smooth and successful sports event of Khelo India 2024 here at Gulmarg. As of now we can say the progress is at development stage til,t this event transforms into a full fledged national sports event”, an official form the J&K Sports Council revealed.
Adding,“ The council is all geared up to make people aware of the event. We have placed the huge cut outs of the Mascot of Khelo India games, ‘snow leopard’, at several places so that people know about the essence of the event.”
He emphasized that Gulmarg was capable of attracting and hosting any kind of international sports event given its grandeur of high altitudes and slopes which cannot be found anywhere in the world.
“We are making efforts to bring international sports events to Gulmarg. We can bring in commonwealth games, Olympics or other winter sports events that are held in China etc. With our efforts we can pitch for it.“When we pitch for international sports events they will look up to athletes from J&K ,their accomplishments.” he said.
The officials revealed that the Secretary Sports Council of J&K Nuzhat Gul on Wednesday met the authorities at Srinagar international airport to ensure a smooth arrival and passage for the participants coming from other parts of the country.
“There will be a special reception on arrival for the participants. Specific parking lots have been made available for the vehicles ferrying the participants to their venues. This will save time and energy as well,” an official at the Srinagar international airport said.
Besides the participants coming from other parts of the country, sports persons from the defense sports boards such as ITBP, Army are also competing in the Khelo India winter games.
Meanwhile, the stakeholders are pinning their hopes on the prediction of fresh snowfall to add more thrill and charm to the event.
“Reservations, bookings have been made. Let’s hope there is more snow. All the three editions were successful, J&K has grabbed high ranks in all events till now which speaks about the success of these games here in Gulmarg”.
Pertinent to mention here, the games include snowboarding, skiing, alpine skiing, cross country, nordic skiing, and grand slalom in snowboarding.
“Earlier due to lack of adequate snow the reservations in the hotels were canceled. However there is enough snow for the conduct of the games. However, more snowfall can add more extravaganza to the event,” Fayaz Ahmad who runs a skiing school at Gulmarg said.
