Well-organized Khelo India Winter Games will help athletes: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur other sports news

The second and final chapter of the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 came to a close on Wednesday evening with the laying of snow at the prestigious Gulmarg Club. Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Nisith Pramanik and Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the meeting. The first edition of the Winter Games was held for the first time in Ladakh from 2-6 February.

Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur motivated about 500 participants of the Winter Games here through a video message. This is a unique phase for the Khelo India Mission as the University Games are being held simultaneously in the North-East of India.

“This edition of the Khelo India Winter Games holds a special significance. For the first time, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, is directly managing the technical operations of the Games. This ensures streamlined operations and future sets a new benchmark for editions of .,” Mr. Thakur said.

Shri Thakur inspired the Gulmarg participants by talking about how India has emerged as a force to be reckoned with globally in the Winter Olympics. From a humble beginning in 1968 to 16-year-old Shiva Keshavan at the 1998 Winter Olympics to alpine skier Arif Mohammed Khan at the 2022 Winter Olympics, the minister said how long India has come.

Shri Thakur said, “Khelo India is not just about participation, it is about providing quality training, infrastructure and experience to empower you to achieve your dreams. The experience gained here will prepare you for national or international Will lead to glory.”

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Mr. Sinha said that he expected some solid competition. “This is an important occasion for the athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event. The Games over the next four days will honor hard work, skill, dedication and sporting excellence, while renewing the spirit of brotherhood, peace and harmony .among all the teams,” Mr Sinha said.

Union Minister of State Shri Pramanik highlighted the beauty of sports. Lauding Maharashtra for winning the first phase of the Games in Ladakh, Mr Pramanik said, “To all the athletes who competed, play with passion, compete with sportsmanship. Your performance will inspire generations to come.” and paint the canvas of Indian Winter Sports with vibrant colours.” ,

There will be four events in Gulmarg – ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and snowboard. On the first day, Army personnel captured all three top positions in Nordic skiing. Karnataka, which won six skating gold medals in Ladakh, made a strong start in Gulmarg when their Bhavani Thekkada won gold in the women’s Nordic skiing sprint (1.6 km). ITBP’s Selma Soreng and Sapna stood second and third respectively.

In the men’s Nordic skiing spring (10 km) competition, all three positions were taken by Sena. Padma Namgail won the gold medal while Mangeet and Rameez Ahmed Paddar had to settle for silver and bronze respectively.