National centre for winter sports to be set up in Gulmarg: Rijiju

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 7

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju on Saturday announced that the Central government will set up a national centre of excellence for winter sports at Gulmarg.

The minister announced this while speaking at the inaugural function for the first-ever Khelo India winter games being held at Gulmarg. There has been concern over organising of the five-day event at Gulmarg, in the wake of coronavirus spread. Over 800 sportspersons from 10 states, including a number of local players, are participating.

“It is historic for not only J&K, but also for the whole country. For the first time, Khelo India winter games are starting from today,” he said. “Whosoever is present here is lucky and those not present here are not lucky, because they are not getting to see this beautiful scene here.”

He said the setting up of the national centre of excellence for winter sports would help the players for preparing for international events.

“We will engage coaches of the international standard and provide all logistic and financial facilities so that our players can prepare for the Olympics,” he said, adding that the centre would help the tourism sector in the Valley.

Farooq Khan, Adviser to Lt-Governor, said sports could be a game changer and it could bring J&K back on the track of prosperity and development. He said the sport infrastructure would be strengthened in the Union Territory of J&K.

Senior government functionaries attended the function at Gulmarg.

Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez said athletes and sports enthusiasts would have an experience of the lifetime during the first-ever Khelo India winter games in Gulmarg.

There are about 30 events including snowboarding, snow skiing, cross country and snow show, in which players from across India are participating. Besides this, snow cycling and other games are also being held for local children.

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