Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the second edition of 'Khelo India Winter Games' and said such activities will make Jammu and Kashmir a sports hub.
"These games show Jammu and Kashmir is excited for a new era of peace and prosperity. The government is working on sporting ecosystem. 'Khelo India' excellence centres are coming up in Jammu and Srinagar, besides 'Khelo India' centres in 20 districts," said PM Modi.
He said the second edition of the winter games in Gulmarg will prepare sportsmen for the bigger international platforms like Olympics.
"This event will make Jammu and Kashmir a hub of sports activity," he added.
He said the players participating in the event epitomises 'One India, One Nation' spirit. "This year, participation has doubled from States and Union Territories," he added.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir players did well last time, and this time, players from across the country will learn from each other.
An official told The Hindu that around 1,200 athletes and guests from across the country will participate in multiple events, which will include snowshoe race, ice skating, ice hockey, skiing, Nordic ski, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, ice stock etc.
Around 840 athletes will compete in these sporting events, being held for the second time in a bid to promote sports activists and adventure tourism in the region.
"A special team of doctors and ambulances have been directed to be available round the clock. A special team of the State Disaster Response Fund shall remain deployed for relief and rescue operations," officials said.
