Gulmarg, February 10:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said after three months, G20 meeting will be held in Jammu and Kashmir. Before that, through this mega event of winter games, the message of the G20 theme ‘One Earth, One family, One future’ will be spread over the entire country and world, he said.
“I am speaking with utmost responsibility that from the past 60 years, our country has remained without the soft power of sports,” he said.
“We are lucky that through consistent efforts of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become now the centre of global sports. He has given wings to youth and their dreams,” LG Sinha said.
He said PM Modi has given hope to the sports lovers and youth of the country and has encouraged youth to move forward in the sports field.
This he stated after kickstarting the 3rd Khelo India Winter Games at famous ski-resort Gulmarg,
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural ceremony of 3rd edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, LG Sinha said Khelo India Winter Games will celebrate and honour sporting excellence and witness the contests of skill and endurance of athletes.
“ It is a great occasion to strive for the greatest victory, to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, peace, equality, friendship & respect for the competitors. The spirit of oneness, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat will make us stronger, “ the Lt Governor said.
“I want to say that sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir is much better developed than any other part of the country. PM Modi has made the biggest contribution in building this infrastructure in the region. Due to which in each district we have sports stadiums, indoor stadiums etc. Not only in bigger towns but infrastructure is being developed to grass root level,” he said.
The 3rd edition of Khelo India National Winter Games began at Gulmarg with the message by Prime MinisterNarendra Modi to the participating players.
The mega sports event was declared open in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and I&B, Anurag Thakur.
During the biggest winter sports tournament, more than 1500 Athletes from all over the country will compete in 11 different winter-sports disciplines.
“The entire country at the moment is united by the 3rd Winter Games dream. Each player participating will become the best ambassador of J&K. With the spirit of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’, this sporting spectacle will strengthen the bond of goodwill & unite all the players as one family,” the Lt Governor said.
On behalf of the people of J&K, the Lt Governor 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.
The Lt Governor also highlighted the transformation in J&K’s sporting culture under the leadership of Prime Minister.
“In the past few years, J&K has given many sporting heroes to the country. Continuous efforts of the UT Government in developing world-class sports infrastructure and facilities in every nook & corner of UT, vibrant sports culture & sports budget at par with bigger states have added a new dimension to J&K’s Sports sector, “said the Lt Governor.
He said that welfare of sportspersons is our priority and special efforts are being made to ensure dignified life for our sportspersons and to encourage youth to choose sports as a career. The participation of more than 50 lakh youth in various sporting events last year is a testimony to this commitment, he added.
With the help of Union Sports Ministry we will work for establishing Center of Excellence for Winter Games. The location has already been identified. All efforts are being made to provide opportunities to sportspersons to excel in their career, the Lt Governor noted.
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 UT.
Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports J&K and Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council shared the achievements of the J&K UT in national & international sports arena.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, GOC, 15 Corps; representatives of various sports organizations, prominent sports personalities and sports-lovers witnessed the inaugural ceremony.
