Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, reaffirmed the Union Government’s commitment to transforming Gulmarg into a premier global winter sports hub in the coming times while addressing the closing ceremony of the second leg of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
“The land of Kashmir has immense potential, Gulmarg will be the Global hub for Winter Sports in the coming times,” said the Minister.
In a major announcement, the Minister said that future editions of the Winter Games in Gulmarg will be expanded into a 15-day integrated sporting event by combining sports with tourism and cultural activities.
“Now the Winter Games will not be limited to four days. By integrating tourism, we will organise a 15-day-long Winter Games that will include Fit India Carnival, cultural programmes and multiple competitions,” he said.
The second leg of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games witnessed participation of over 900 athletes representing 25 States and Union Territories, bringing together youth from across the country.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that sports has the transformative power to unite society, nurture sportsmanship, promote harmony, and drive holistic development.
Reflecting on his interactions with athletes and coaches at Khelo India Centres in Jammu and Kashmir, he lauded the remarkable sporting spirit and growing culture of excellence emerging from the region.
Highlighting the transformative power of sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said the region, once associated with ‘patharbaji’, is now recognised for ‘skiing’, adding that after the abrogation of Article 370, sports has become a sensation in the Valley, marking a steady march towards progress and development.
The Union Sports Minister also outlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, emphasising efforts to strengthen the sports ecosystem as India aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games and aims to rank among the top five sporting nations by 2047, marking 100 years of Independence.
He further noted that the Khelo India initiative has significantly expanded sporting opportunities across the country through Khelo India School Games, University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, Water Sports, Tribal Games, North East Games and Beach Games, ensuring continuous athlete engagement throughout the year.
The Minister also announced that a National Centre of Excellence will be established in Jammu & Kashmir to further strengthen winter sports infrastructure and training systems.
Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the recently announced Khelo Bharat Niti, describing it as an athlete-centric policy aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of youth across the country.