Union Territory Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday inaugurated the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg.
Sinha conveyed his best wishes to the athletes and team officials from all over the country.
“Khelo India Winter Games symbolises the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. The world-famous winter tourism destination Gulmarg has been developed as a winter sports city. I welcome you all,” Sinha said at the inauguration ceremony.
The J&k Lieutenant Governor said that the real winners are made by passion, enthusiasm, courage and sportsmanship.
“This is your opportunity to show the world the skills and unique abilities you have acquired after years of hard work and inspire the young generation.
“Let us strengthen our bond as a family by imbibing the values of sportsmanship, brotherhood, and promote peace, unity and harmony,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He expressed gratitude towards PM Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir Sports Department, Sports Council and all stakeholders for promoting the robust sporting culture and developing infrastructure for it.
“I am proud of what we have achieved in the last four-and-a-half years. Today, Jammu Kashmir has become home to national and international level sporting events.
“International cricket has returned to the Kashmir Valley after three decades. The success of previous editions of Khelo India Winter Games, inspirational success stories of our sportspersons in various sports disciplines reflect our sporting power,” he said.
On key initiatives taken by the government, he said: “We are soon going to complete the construction of the prestigious Khel Gaon in Nagrota, and high-performance training centres are being developed across the districts in Jammu and Kashmir in a phased manner to enhance the training and performance of the athletes,” he said.