Sports with Social Impact: Anurag Thakur said on the Khelo India Winter Games
More than 1,500 players from across the country will compete in the Khelo India Winter Games, which many see as an opportunity to promote tourism in J&K
Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, unveiled the mascot, anthem, and jersey for the third Khelo India Winter Games , which begin next week in Gulmarg.
More than 1,500 players from across the country will compete in these events, which many regard as an opportunity to promote tourism in J&K, particularly Gulmarg, which is currently blanketed in a white covering of snow. The world-famous ski resort received more than ten feet of snow in January alone.
The launch event marked the commencement of Gulmarg’s biggest sporting spectacular, which will begin on February 10.
Sportspeople from 29 different states/UTs and boards will compete in 11 different winter sports disciplines.
According to Union Minister Anurag Thakur, the participation of over 1,500 athletes in the Khelo India Winter Games will encourage youngsters to participate in winter sports and enhance tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
“Sportspersons participating in the games from around the country will be the brand ambassador of the new Jammu Kashmir. We have resurrected the sporting culture. “More sporting activities and increased young participation in sports are having a transforming impact on society,” Thakur remarked.
J&K L-G Manoj Sinha stated that with the successful completion of past winter games, Gulmarg has earned its rightful place on the global map of winter games. “This year’s mascot, the snow leopard, reflects the rich legacy of the Himalayas. It also reaffirms the administration’s commitment to conservation,” he said.
The major attraction of the event, according to organizers, will be a snowshoe race, ice skating, ice hockey, skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, and ice stock.
Last year, Gulmarg saw a surge in visitor traffic, with hotels reporting full occupancy around the New Year. Officials predicted that the winter games and snowfall will attract even more visitors to the ski resort.
Gulmarg saw its first snowfall this season in November and December.
