Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafiz, toady chaired a review meeting at Gulmarg to review preparations being put in place for the 4th Khelo India Winter Games, slated to be held in the world famous ski resort Gulmarg from 21st to 25th of this month. Sarmad Hafeez expressed satisfaction over the progress made, so far and directed the officials to ensure that the roads leading to Gulmarg are cleared of the snow and maintained properly for smooth traffic movement.
He instructed the officers to ensure adequate accommodation, transport and other facilities for the athletes and delegates expected to participate in the event. He extolled that Gulmarg has potential to become a world class winter sports destination and no stone should be left unturned to make the event a grand success.
The Secretary emphasised that Khelo India Winter Games is an opportunity for J&K to showcase the beauty of the venue which has one of the finest slopes and the best quality snow otherwise also known to skiers who travel from other parts of the world.The meeting was also attended by Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, Chief Executive Officer Gulmarg Development Authority, Waseem Raja and other officials from various departments.
Earlier in the day, Nuzhat Gull chaired a meeting during which it was briefed that 4th edition of winter games will exclusively focus on the snow related winter sports events. She informed that competition has been segregated into four snow related sports events which included Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding and Nordic Skiing.
Divulging further on the event, Nuzhat Gull said that the preparations for the games are complete and the venue is ready to welcome the athletes and other participants.Expressing gratitude to Union Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India and Winter Games Association of J&K for their support and cooperation, Gull said that this is going to be one of experience rich collaboration which shall foster new bonds and enable the sports in J&K to grow.
Among others present in the meeting included country’s famed winter sports and Olympic athlete Shiva Keshavan, Sachin, Under Secretary SAI; Nusrat Gazala, Divisional Sports Officer Kashmir, nodal officer of the event and other officials from the Sports Authority of India and J&K Sports Council.
Pertinently, the Khelo India Winter Games are part of the flagship Khelo India scheme of the central government, which aims to promote mass participation and excellence in sports. The first chapter of the 4th edition of KIWG featuring two ice sports events including Ice Hockey and Ice Skating were held in Leh earlier this month.
The live streaming of the games apart from being aired on multiple platforms of DD Sports shall also be carried out by various portals giving a wider coverage to the event providing the bigger audience with an opportunity to watch the athletes in action and cheer for them.
The games are also expected to boost tourism and economy of the region, as well as inspire more youngsters to take up winter sports. The games are slated to be inaugurated on 21st of this month and the fun filled excitement shall conclude on the 5th day.