Srinagar, Jan 14: Spotlighting the world-famous ski resort’s role in revitalizing winter sports tourism in Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Gulmarg as the ‘Winter Games Capital of India.’
PM Modi said that from hosting international cricket after four decades to gearing up for the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, Gulmarg stands at the forefront of India’s sporting aspirations, offering fresh opportunities for youth and redefining the valley’s global image.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel on Monday, PM Modi lauded Kashmir’s recent hosting of the Legends Cricket League after a 40-year hiatus, alongside the breathtaking spectacle of cars racing around Dal Lake.
“With Gulmarg set to host the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games next month, the region’s transformation into a hub for sports and youth opportunities is evident,” PM Modi said.
Notably, Kashmir Valley witnessed the Legends Cricket League from October 9 to 16 of 2024, which marked the return of international cricket in the Valley after 40 years. The first international cricket match was held in Valley in October 1983.
“Four Khelo India Winter Games have already taken place in Gulmarg. In a way, Gulmarg is becoming the capital of the Winter Games for India,” PM Modi said.
He said that the fifth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games will be held next month.
As already reported, the J&K administration, including the tourism department, youth service, and sports department, and the concerned district administration, Baramulla, are on to making the arrangements for the Khelo India Winter Games festival a successful event.
“In the past two years, 2500 players have come to Jammu and Kashmir to participate in different sports tournaments,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi added that more than 90 Khelo India centres were set up in Jammu and Kashmir, and 4500 youths were being trained for different sports as well.
“New opportunities are being created for the youths of Jammu and Kashmir in every field,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Ahead of the mega event, DC Baramulla Minga Sherpa chaired a meeting at Gulmarg to review preparations for the 5th edition of Khelo India 2025.
The meeting discussed several critical aspects to ensure smooth execution of the event.
As already reported, the tourism department has already started exercise for controlled blasting at Affarwat peaks of Ski resort Gulmarg in Baramulla to prepare ski slopes for the skiers.
