Excelsior Sports Correspondent
GULMARG, Feb 9: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur today said the Khelo India Winter Games being held here will be the biggest held so far as 1500 players from across the country will compete in 11 events over the next six days.
“Over 1500 players have arrived here from 29 states and union territories of the country to take part in 11 sporting events over the period of next six days. This will be biggest event of Winter Games in the country so far,” Thakur told reporters at Tangmarg, Srinagar-Gulmarg road, 36 kilometres from Srinagar.
Thakur also participated in a snow cricket match at Tangmarg where he was given a warm traditional welcome.
“This snowfall is kicking off the Winter Games, not anywhere else but in a place which is known as heaven on earth. I am thankful to the locals for the warm welcome and hospitality,” the minister said.
Thakur said Khelo India was a sports movement under which Youth Games, University Games and Winter Games are conducted throughout the year.
“Whole country waits to participate in Khelo India Winter Games. Khelo India is a movement….We have Youth Games going on in Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
Ahead of formal inauguration of third edition of Khelo India 2023, a series of events were organized at Highland Park, Gulmarg.
On the occasion, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, inaugurated Night Ski Demonstration in LED suits by skiers.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, R R Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Secretary Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Dr Sehrish Asgar and Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul besides large number of sports lovers were present on the occasion.
Other events that lit the ambience of Snow Capped Gulmarg were Mashaal show by skiers besides LED dance group and Fire Cracker shows.
He lauded the UT administration for launching this innovative game in J&K saying that efforts would be initiated to introduce this sport in other states having the similar climate.
He complimented Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, led government for transforming sports profile of the UT and taking the fit India movement to every nook and corner of J&K.
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