Khelo India Winter Games are a platform for national unity: LG

Gulmarg, Mar 09: Highlighting the significance of the event Khelo India Winter Games, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated “the Khelo India Winter Games embody the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Gulmarg, a world-renowned winter tourism destination, has been transformed into a winter sports hub. I warmly welcome all of you to this iconic venue.”
Inaugurating the 5th Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg today, the Lieutenant Governor welcomed athletes and team officials from across the country.
LG emphasised that true champions are not defined by victory or defeat but by passion, enthusiasm, courage, and sportsmanship. “This is your moment to showcase the skills and unique abilities you’ve developed through years of dedication and hard work. Your performances will inspire the next generation,” he said. “Let us foster unity, brotherhood, and the values of sportsmanship, promoting peace and harmony.”
The Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the J&K Sports Department, the Sports Council, and all stakeholders for their role in nurturing a strong sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir, along with developing world-class sports infrastructure and coaching facilities.
Reflecting on the region’s progress, he proudly stated, “Over the past four and a half years, Jammu and Kashmir has become a key destination for national and international sporting events. After three decades, international cricket has returned to the Kashmir Valley. The success of the Khelo India Winter Games and the achievements of our athletes showcase the growing sporting power of this region.”
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted several initiatives taken by the government to promote sports. “Currently, over 4,500 athletes are being trained in 92 Khelo India Centers across the region. Last year, 15,000 players from J&K participated at the national and zonal levels. Additionally, we’ve established a Water Sports Academy in Srinagar and a Fencing Academy in Jammu,” he said.
He concluded by mentioning the ongoing construction of the Khel Gaon in Nagrota and the phased development of high-performance training centers across the districts to further enhance athlete performance.
The winners of today’s events included Mehrajuddin Khan (J&K), Rajeshwar Singh (Army), Yogesh Kumar (Himachal Pradesh), Menka Gunjiyal (Uttarakhand), Bhawani Thekkada (Karnataka), and Sunny Singh (Army), who triumphed in Snowboarding Slalom (Men), Ski Mountaineering Sprint (Men), Alpine Skiing Slalom, Ski Mountaineering Sprint (Women), and Nordic Ski events.
The ceremony was attended by Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services & Sports; Farooq Ahmed Shah, MLA from Gulmarg; Nazir Ahmad, MLA from Gurez; Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla; Shri Mayank Srivastav, DDG of the Sports Authority of India; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of J&K Sports Council, along with other senior officials, sports personalities, and a large crowd of sports enthusiasts.