Srinagar, Feb 19: The famous winter destination of Gulmarg is yet again all set to host the 4th edition of Khelo India beginning February 21.
Around a thousand athletes, officials, and support staff shall participate in various winter sporting events including Snowboarding, Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski and Snow Mountaineering. Twenty states and Union Territories are competing in the Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, and Snowboarding while ten states are competing in the Ski Mountaineering competitions.
The event, which is being organized by Department of Youth Services & Sports & J&K Sports Council in collaboration with Tourism Department, Gulmarg Development Authority and other stakeholder Departments, will kick-start with the launch of the mascot while the anthem and the customised apparels of the 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games will be on the similar lines of the Khelo India Games held in the other parts of the country.
The idea behind choosing Snow Leopard as the mascot of Khelo India Winter Games by the J&K Sports Council is to address the high[1]mountain development issues of the natives, its fragile environment as well as to highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect the natural habitat of this beautiful big cat and ensure its survival for future.
Meanwhile, all logistic arrangements like accommodation, transport, etc for the athletes and officials have been worked out by the organizers and final touches are being given on the spot.
Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Sarmad Hafeez held a series of meetings in this regard in the past few days with representatives of line Departments while Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull has been overseeing the finalization of arrangements at the spot.
Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar who was on a visit to Kashmir conveyed his best wishes to J&K Sports Council for organizing the sporting event. In his message, he advised the participant athletes to enjoy the game and make their stay here memorable.
The inaugural and closing ceremonies will be marked by scintillating cultural performances by local artists depicting the cultural tapestry of the region. On February 20, a special cultural evening has been planned which shall be attended by the participating athletes and officials and visiting tourists’ besides local people.
It may be mentioned here that J&K so far has hosted all three editions of Khelo India here with the number of participants swelling considerably as athletes from across the country are now thronging the snow-clad Gulmarg to participate in sports extravaganza. The yearly event has given a major push to winter tourism in J&K besides promoting the local culture and cuisine.
DC B’la conducts field inspection to add finishing touch to the arrangements
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa accompanied by the team of officers on Monday visited Gulmarg and conducted field inspection of facilities in place to add finishing touch to the arrangements for the successful conduct of 4th Edition of Khelo India National Winter Games-2024.
Undertaking a comprehensive field inspection, the DC and his team braved the current inclement weather conditions to meticulously assess road connectivity, lodging facilities, ski slopes, medical services, electricity, parking facilities and other amenities crucial for the national event’s profound success.
Speaking about the preparations, Minga Sherpa expressed confidence in the readiness of Gulmarg to host the prestigious event and said that the district administration has left no stone unturned to ensure every aspect of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is meticulously planned and executed, even amidst challenging weather conditions.
The DC further said that the end goal is to provide athletes, visitors and other guests with a world-class experience and showcase the beauty and potential of winter sports in the region.
Meanwhile, DC issued strict directions to the concerned departments to ensure snow clearance from the roads leading to Gulmarg, uninterrupted electricity supply and other facilities are in place in view of the inclement weather conditions.
Minga Sherpa also strongly urged the drivers to exercise extreme caution and adhere to all necessary precautions while travelling on the slippery hilly roads during adverse weather conditions.
The Khelo India Winter Games Gulmarg, scheduled to commence from 21 February, promises to be a celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. More than 650 athletes will be participating in the various games during the 5 day period.
Earlier, Minga Sherpa chaired a meeting with concerned officers to ensure every facility is in place and directed all stakeholders to maintain a vigilant stance, underscoring the paramount importance of their collective efforts for the seamless and successful execution of the event.
