More streamlined Khelo India Winter Games will help athletes chase dreams: Anurag Thakur
The second and final chapter of the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 kicked off in Gulmarg on Wednesday.
New Delhi: The curtains rose for the second and final chapter of the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 as snowflakes flew through the iconic Gulmarg Club on Wednesday evening. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik and Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the meeting. The first part of the Winter Games was held for the first time in Ladakh from February 2 to 6.
The Hon'ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, through a video message, inspired the nearly 500 participants attending the Winter Games here. This is a unique phase for the Khelo India Mission as the University Games are being held simultaneously in northeastern India.
“This edition of the Khelo India Winter Games has a special significance. For the first time, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, is directly managing the technical implementation of the Games. This streamlines operations and sets a new standard for future editions,” said Shri Thakur.
Shri Thakur inspired the Gulmarg participants by saying how India has become stronger at the global level during the Winter Olympics. From a rather insignificant start in 1968, to a 16-year-old Shiva Keshavan at the 1998 Winter Olympics to alpine skier Arif Mohammed Khan at the 2022 Winter Olympics, the minister said how India has come a long way.
“Khelo India is not just about participation, it is about providing quality training, infrastructure and exposure to enable you to realize your dreams. The experience you gain here will propel you for national or international glory,” said Shri Thakur.
Lieutenant Governor of J&K Shri Sinha said he expected stiff competition. “It is a momentous occasion for athletes who have prepared for this spectacular event. The Games will celebrate the hard work, skill, dedication and sporting excellence over the next four days, while renewing the spirit of brotherhood, peace and harmony among all teams,” Shri Sinha said.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pramanik highlighted the beauty of the Games. While praising Maharashtra for winning the first leg of the Games in Ladakh, Shri Pramanik said, “To all the athletes participating, play with passion, compete with sportsmanship. May your achievements inspire generations to paint the canvas of Indian winter sports with vibrant colours.”
Gulmarg will host four events: ski mountaineering, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Day 1 saw Army men take all three top positions during cross-country skiing. Karnataka, who claimed six speed skating gold medals in Ladakh, made a strong start in Gulmarg as their Bhavani Thekkada won gold in the women's cross-country sprint (1.6 km). ITBP's Selma Soreng and Sapna finished second and third respectively.
In the spring men's cross-country skiing competition (10 km), all three positions were taken by the army. Padma Namgail won gold, while Mangeet and Rameez Ahmad Paddar settled for silver and bronze respectively.