Gulmarg all set to host Khelo India Winter Games

Jammu, February 19

The famous winter destination of Gulmarg is yet again all set to host the 4th edition of Khelo India Winter games beginning February 21.

Around a thousand athletes, officials, and support staff will participate in various winter sporting events including snowboarding, Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski and snow mountaineering. As many as 20 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 organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, and J&K Sports Council, in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Gulmarg Development Authority, and other stakeholder departments, will kickstart with the launch of the mascot while the anthem and the customised apparels of the 4th edition will be on similar lines of the Khelo India Games held in the other parts of the country,” an official said.

He said 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 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 organisers.

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 finalisation of arrangements at the spot.

The inaugural and closing ceremonies will be marked by cultural performances by local artistes 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.