Gulmarg, March 07 (KNS): Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez today said that athletes and sports enthusiasts will have a life time experience during first-ever Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg.
The Secretary said this during his welcome address on the inaugural day of first-ever Khelo India Winter Games here—which were inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Sports, Kiren Rijiju here.
On the occasion, the Secretary gave a detailed account of the activities by Department of Youth Services and Sports. He said that Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council is organizing several sports leagues besides other activities in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. This, he said is done to enhance the standard of sports in every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Secretary said that Government made several arrangements for smooth conduct of Khelo India Winter Games including arrangement of Ski equipment and lifts, maintenance of slopes, branding for promotion of event at tourists spots, setting up of facilitation centres at Srinagar Airport, TRC and Jammu Tawi Railway Station, cleanliness and lighting of hotels, competition arena, road clearance from Tangmarg to Gulmarg, cable car service for the participants, nomination of coordinators and liaison officers and others.
He said that Government has prepared a comprehensive plan to construct indoors stadiums in all the districts across Jammu and Kashmir.
“This will not only bring sports infrastructure to the tune of international standard but it will also help us to provide best sports facilities for exhibiting best sports talent at national and international levels,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Saleem-Ur-Rehman; Secretary J&K Sports Council, Dr Naseem Javeed Chaudhary, congratulated the participating athletes for being part of the mega sports event in Gulmarg.
The officials said that this is not just a sports event but an opportunity to showcase Jammu and Kashmir and its various attributes.
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 of Gulmarg is abuzz with several activities held under five- day national winter games event starting from today under Khelo India- a national programme for development of sports. (KNS)