Srinagar 26 February (KNB): Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, on Friday, while the virtual inauguration of the Khelo India Games in Gulmarg, said that the event is going to help J&K become the hub of winter sports and the games in ski-resort is the manifestation of J&K’s eagerness to reach heights of peace and development.
During the inauguration through a virtual medium, Modi said that India will make its existence now at the international winter games and simultaneously helping J&K to become a hub of winter sports.
The games starting in Gulmarg will see the participation of athletes from 27 states and Union Territories, which will conclude on the next month’s second.
The games in Ski-resort Gulmarg, Prime Minister said, shows that the J&K is eager to reach heights of peace and progress and fortifies the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’s resolution.
“I congratulate all athletes from J&K and others who came from different parts of India,” Modi said, adding that Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is further being strengthened by the participation of athletes who have converged from India’s different parts.
Modi said he was told that this time, States and Union Territories’ participation in winter sports had increased more than the double.
The PM also stressed upon how sports’ benefits and develops one and helps in the bolstering of confidence.
However, this is the second edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, which starts from today and culminates on March 2nd in Jammu and Kashmir’s winter destination of Gulmarg.
It is pertinent to mention that last year, the first edition of the ‘Khelo India’ Winter games was also held at Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg from March 7th to 11th. (KNB)