The grand finale of the five-day sports extravaganza, the 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games, 2024, concluded today with a dazzling closing ceremony at the Golf Course Gulmarg.
The ceremony, graced by Secretary of J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, as the chief guest, saw the presence of CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority, Waseem Raja, GM Cable Car Corporation, SSP Traffic Rural, 6-time Olympians, athletes, officials, and a multitude of local spectators.
The event crowned the Army as the new champions, securing the top position with an impressive haul of 10 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Karnataka followed closely as the first runner-up with 9 gold and 2 silver medals, while Maharashtra clinched the second runner-up position with 7 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals.
Jammu and Kashmir secured the 9th position in the medal tally, with a commendable performance including 1 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
Local athlete Shahid Ahmad Chach showcased stellar performance, clinching a gold medal in Verticle Ski Mountaineering and a silver in the Sprint category. Chach also shared a bronze with three other teammates in the Ski Mountaineering Men Relay group.
Other notable achievements by J&K athletes include silver medals in Ski Mountaineering Women Sprint, Alpine Skiing Women Slalom, and Alpine Skiing Women Parallel, won by Shazi Hassan, Sobia Nabi, Shaista Shabir, and Vikar, respectively. The state also secured a silver in Ski Mountaineering Women Relay. Additionally, J&K bagged four bronze medals, including one in the Men Relay Ski Mountaineering team event and three in individual events.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Secretary Nuzhat Gull expressed gratitude to all departments, officials, and athletes for their contributions to the successful conduct of the event. She highlighted the importance of Khelo India Games in realizing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, providing a platform for youth to showcase their talent at the national level.
Gull emphasized the cultural enrichment facilitated by the games, promoting the exchange of culture, tradition, and languages among athletes. She also conveyed appreciation from Union Minister of Youth Services & Sports, Shri Anurag Thakur, for the positive role played by the media.
CEO Waseem Raja extended his thanks to all departments and service providers for the seamless execution of the Khelo India Winter Games.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of mementos and appreciation certificates among guests and service providers, marking the successful culmination of the prestigious sporting event.