Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports Nisith Pramanik flagged off a women’s mountain ski event at Kongdoori Phase 1 in Gulmarg during the ongoing 4th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.
After flagging off the event on Thursday, the Union minister appreciated the enthusiasm and talent of participating female skiers and encouraged them to pursue their passion for winter sports.
The minister also interacted with the players and officials on the occasion.
He expressed satisfaction over the successful organisation of the national event and praised the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as well as the J&K Sports Council.
Pramanik called the Khelo India Winter Games a major event that showcases the potential of Gulmarg as the capital of winter sports in the country.
He said the next edition of the event would be even bigger meeting all the international standards. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for their support and guidance in developing sports infrastructure in J&K and promoting winter sports among the youth.
The minister further said that the Khelo India Winter Games is not only a sports event but also a snow festival that celebrates the beauty and culture of Gulmarg and J&K.
He added that the event has boosted tourism and the economy of the region and attracted visitors from across the country and abroad.
He remarked that J&K has transitioned into a new era of prosperity and peace under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha.
The minister expressed the hope that the games would inspire more youngsters to take up winter sports and excel in them. He said that the government is committed to providing all the necessary facilities and support to budding sportspersons and making India a global leader in winter sports.