Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated the 6th edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg in north Kashmir.
The four-day Winter Games at India’s premier winter sports destination will witness the participation of around 1000 athletes and officials from various states and UTs in different disciplines.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present at the inaugural ceremony.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg has evolved from a simple sporting event into a true national festival. These Games revive the sporting spirit’s ideals of peace, equality, and camaraderie. In our vibrant, diverse nation of myriad languages, cultures, and traditions, the Winter Games at Gulmarg is serving as a universal language and shared heritage.
He emphasised that the broader aim of Khelo India Winter Games is strengthening national unity. “When athletes from diverse states train together, compete fiercely, and cheer one another, barriers of language, culture, and region dissolve before the sporting spirit,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He observed that winter games pit Skiers against nature itself, where excelling demands extraordinary prowess and over the coming days, we will witness that prowess, alongside technical mastery, the poise from years of practice, unyielding resolve, and superhuman endurance.
He urged the participating athletes to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and encouraged them to give their best throughout the tournament.
“On these Ski slopes of Gulmarg, athletes’ identity hinges solely on performance; every result reflects your skills, discipline, and grit, crafting new champions. In disciplines like alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering, athletes’ rigorous training and unwavering dedication will shine through,” he further said.
“On the 26th February, at the closing ceremony of 6th Khelo India Winter Games’ success won’t be measured by medals alone, but by the spirit of unity, mutual respect, and relentless pursuit of excellence,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted J&K’s emergence as a premier hub of winter sports and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen sports infrastructure.
He underscored the role of such national events in promoting youth engagement, tourism and national integration.
Minister for youth services and sports Satish Sharma and chief secretary Atal Dulloo were among those present on the occasion.