Gulmarg 26 Feb(KNB): The second edition of the Khelo India Winter Games concluded on Sunday at Gulmarg gulf club with a grand closing ceremony. The five-day event witnessed the participation of over 600 athletes across the country, competing in various winter sports such as Nordic skiing ski mountaineering, snowboarding, Alpine skiing.
The local youth expressed their satisfaction over the facilities and infrastructure provided by the organizers and the government. They said that they were lucky to have a platform like Khelo India Winter Games, which gave them an opportunity to showcase their talent and skills in winter sports. They also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision and initiative to promote sports and fitness among the youth of the country.
“We are very happy and grateful to the Prime Minister for giving us this chance to play and learn from the best. Khelo India Winter Games has boosted our confidence and motivation to pursue our dreams in winter sports. We hope to represent our state and nation in the future and make them proud,” said a young skier from J&K.
The local participants also appreciated the support and guidance of Nuzhat Gul, the Secretary of J&K Sports Council, who played a key role in organizing and managing the event. They said that she was an inspiration and a mentor for them, who encouraged them to excel in their respective sports.
“Nuzhat Gul ma’am has been very supportive and helpful to us. She has been working tirelessly to ensure that we have the best facilities and coaching. She has also been interacting with us and giving us valuable tips and feedback, said a young snowboarder from J&K.
The Khelo India Winter Games also witnessed some stellar performances by the local athletes, who bagged several medals and laurels for their state. Among them, Shahid Ahmad Chachi, Shazia Hassan, Sabiya Nabi, Mehraj Ud Din Bhat Ghulam Mohammad, Mehraj ud Din Khan, Mohsin Farooq, Vikar Gousia, Maryam Farooq, Noorain Lateef and Shabita Shabir were the standout performers , who won gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively in different categories of skiing. They said that they were elated and honored to win medals for their UT and make J&K proud.
“It is a dream come true for me to win a gold medal at Khelo India Winter Games. I have been training hard for this event and I am glad that my hard work paid off. I dedicate this medal to my parents, and all the people of J&K, who have supported me throughout my journey,” said Shahid Ahmad Chachi, who won the gold medal in the ski mountaineering.
“I am very happy and proud to win a silver medal at Khelo India Winter Games. It is a great feeling to represent J&K and compete with the best athletes from across the country. I want to thank my family, friends, and mentors for their constant encouragement and guidance,” said Shazia Hassan, who won two silver medal in the ski mountaineering.
“I am very excited and humbled to win a bronze medal at Khelo India Winter Games. It is a huge achievement for me and my state. I want to express my gratitude to the organizers, the government, and the people of J&K for giving me this opportunity and supporting me in every way,” said Gousia, who won the bronze medal in ski mountaineering.
The event also brought a boost to the local economy, as the vendors, snow bikers, and hoteliers expressed their satisfaction over the increased footfall and business opportunities. They said that these types of events must be done more often in Gulmarg, as they not only promote sports but also tourism and livelihoods.
“We are very happy with the Khelo India Winter Games, as they have brought income to us. We have been selling our products and services to the athletes, officials, and visitors, who have been very generous and appreciative. We hope that such events will continue to happen in Gulmarg, as they are beneficial for us and our families,” said a vendor.
“We hope that such events will encourage more people to try out snow biking and other winter sports in Gulmarg, as they are fun and exciting,” said a snow biker, who owns a fleet of snow bikes and offers them for rent.
“We are very pleased with the Khelo India Winter Games, as they have increased the occupancy and revenue of our hotels. We have been hosting the athletes, officials, and guests, who have been very courteous and cooperative. We hope that such events will attract more tourists and travelers to Gulmarg, as it is a beautiful and serene destination for winter sports and leisure,” said a hotelier, who runs a luxury hotel near the venue.
The Khelo India Winter Games, which started on February 21, were inaugurated by Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Shri Nisith Pramanik.(KNB)