PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Khelo India Winter Games, says will make J&K winter sports hub

File Photo

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 26) inaugurated the second Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg and said that the event is a step towards making Jammu and Kashmir a hub of winter sports.

Athletes from 27 states and Union Territories are competing in the Games which will conclude on March 2.

"This is a step towards making India's presence felt in the international winter games arena and also make Jammu and Kashmir a hub of winter sports," he said in a virtual address.

"These games in Gulmarg show that Jammu and Kashmir is eager to reach new heights of peace and development. These Games will strengthen the resolve for 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat'. I am told the participation has doubled this year and it is a reflection of the inclination towards winter sports in the country," he added.

The disciplines to be competed in the Games include alpine skiing, nordic ski, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, ice hockey, and ice skating among others.

"When you show your talent in Khelo India-Winter Games, remember that you are not just a part of a sport, but you are also the brand ambassador of a self-reliant India," the Prime Minister said addressing the 1200 participants who have converged at the picturesque Gulmarg.

"The world evaluates India through what you do on the field," he added.

The Games are being organised by the sports ministry and the Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir: The second #KheloIndiaWinterGames 2021 inaugurated in Gulmarg, earlier today.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju were present at the inauguration ceremony. pic.twitter.com/bKuWhMbLR3

— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2021

"The two Khelo India centre of excellence in Jammu and Srinagar and Khelo India centres in 20 districts are great facilities for the young players. Such centres are being opened all over the world," the PM Modi stated.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, who was present in Gulmarg for the inauguration, reiterated his resolve to make India a sporting powerhouse.

"Sports joins states and communities together. When a woman from north-east Mary Kom wins a medal, the entire country celebrates. Sports and culture are soft powers of a country," he said in his address.

"Last time we had announced 100 small Khelo India centres here. We have already approved 40 of them and the rest will be approved in the coming financial year," he revealed.

"We have also decided to give Mata Vaishno Devi Sport Complex a Khelo India Academy accreditation," he added.