Winter Games in Gulmarg going to be big milestone: Kiren Rijiju

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Khelo India Winter Games will add a new chapter in the Indian sporting history. The first-ever Winter Games will be held in Gulmarg of Jammu and Kashmir from March 7th to 11th.

Gulmarg (J-K): The first-ever Winter Games under 'Khelo India', a national programme for the development of sports, will commence in Gulmarg from March 7th to 11th. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said that it will be the largest ever and of the highest standard.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Rijiju said, "We are organising the first-ever Winter Games in India and it will be held in Gulmarg and will be the largest ever and of the highest standard. This is going to be the cornerstone in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir as well as for entire India."

He further said that apart from promoting sports, it will also transform the economy of the hill state like Jammu and Kashmir because it will promote tourism.

The minister also lauded the Jammu and Kashmir administration for making arrangements to provide hassle-free facilities to players and other concerned.

The competitions of the Khelo India J-K Winter Games will be held at Kongdori, Gulmarg in four age categories for both boys and girls.

Athletes in the age categories of 19-21 years, 17-18 years, 15-16 years and 13-14 years can compete in Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Boarding and Snow Shoeing.

Around 841 athletes and officials will participate in the games being organised by J-K Sports Council and Winter Games Association of J-K, with 15 teams from different states and organisations.

(With inputs from IANS and ANI)