Kiren Rijiju inaugurates first Khelo India Winter Games in Jammu Kashmir, announces Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg

“It would be a residential facility funded by the Government of India where professional winter games athletes would be trained for world class competitions,” he said.

Rijiju said that the union territory has a huge potential in sports sector and government would do everything possible to upgrade the sports infrastructure and sports ecology of the Himalayan region.

The sports minister said that the government would encourage interested athletes or retired sports veterans for setting up sports centers across Jammu and Kashmir.

“Coaches of different sports categories would be given Rs 5 lakh for setting up sports centers across J&K,” he assured, adding “It would not only help us to identify talent and hone their skills in various sports but would be a source of employment as well.”

Stating that J&K has a huge talent, Rijiju complimented the local players for bagging medals in various national and international events.

He said that this is a historic event not only for J&K but the whole country.

“Those who are here today at this place are lucky. This is the beginning of mega sports events in Gulmarg. More mega events are in pipeline for this place,” he said.

The minister said he is hopeful that with the culmination of the event, footfall of tourists would increase. He said he was impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the athletes in today’s event.

Extending invitation to sports and nature lovers, the minister said the travellers should come and feel the natural wonder here.

“Only then they can realise what paradise on Earth is," he said.

He said the winter games would give a big fillip to tourism industry here.

He said tourists don't need to go to Europe when Kashmir is just in the country. "Travellers should come here and enjoy the beauty and also fun-filled winter activities."

Notably, 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 held for the local children.

Pertinently, the world-famous ski destination Gulmarg is abuzz with the several activities held under five- day national winter games event starting from today under Khelo India- a national programme for development of sports.  

On the occasion, Rijiju was presented a memento by Advisor to Lt Governor Farooq Khan.

Artists from Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages enthralled the audience with their performances.