The picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg witnessed a momentous occasion today as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the snow sports event of the 4th Khelo India Games. The event, graced by Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs, marked the commencement of an exhilarating showcase of winter sports talents from across the country.
Expressing his best wishes to the participating athletes, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha underscored the significance of the event, stating, “It is a momentous occasion for more than 600 athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event.” He extended a warm invitation to athletes, team officials, and sports enthusiasts to savor the warm hospitality of Jammu Kashmir while experiencing the thrill of Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, and snow Mountaineering competitions amidst the breathtaking vistas of Gulmarg.
Over the next four days, the 4th Khelo India Winter Games will celebrate the hard work, skills, dedication, and sporting excellence showcased on the ski slopes, fostering a spirit of brotherhood, peace, and harmony among all participating teams, emphasized the Lt Governor.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting a robust sports culture across cities and villages in the Union Territory, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for ushering in a new era of sports in Jammu Kashmir. He lauded the renewed emphasis on state-of-the-art infrastructure and allied facilities, which have significantly boosted the sports sector in the region.
The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Government of India, Union Sports Ministry, and Sports Authority of India for their unwavering support and cooperation in the development of national and international level sports infrastructure in J&K under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, conveyed his best wishes for the successful conduct of the Khelo India Winter Games event through a video message, urging participating athletes to give their best in the tournament.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs, Nisith Pramanik, commended the Lt Governor-led UT Administration for its efforts in developing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, setting a milestone for other states as well.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Vice Chairperson of J&K KVIB Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, and representatives from various sports organizations, reflecting the collective commitment towards promoting sports excellence and fostering a vibrant sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir.