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 All events officiated as per fixture to foster real winter sports spirit; ITBP, Army, Himachal steal the show in different  competitions

GULMARG, MARCH 10: From wee hours on Monday snowfall at Gulmarg proclaimed that remnants of Winter chill are still in command to thrill visitors at the famous high altitude tourist destination.

But the Khelo India Winter Games witnessed a change in climate after a sunny inaugural day. The perseverance & passion of athletes raised the visual warmth over white snow turf as all the scheduled games were officiated according to the fixture to foster real winter sports spirit.

Hundreds of players coming from across the country battled over the title in different domains of snow sports including Vertical Ski Mountaineering, Snowboard Gaint Slalom and Sprint.

  Some undisputed champions of previous Khelo India Winter Games again proved their mettle to lay a solid & strong claim for medals and had been exceptionally successful in their endeavor.


Manoeuvring in the Winter Games at Kangdoori, Siddhartha Gadekar from Pune Maharashtra was crowned with Gold Medal in Vertical Ski Mountaineering event for men today adding to his medal  kitty from Sunday.

While celebrating yellow metal, he divulged that consistent endurance training got him the result he wanted. He expressed gratitude to KIWG authorities for the platform & unique opportunity to help athletes to display latent potential. Gadekar eyes international sports events and hopes to carry current performance forward to do better in upcoming events. Shardul Thapliyal and Himanshu Singh both from Himachal Pradesh clinched Silver and Bronze in the same event respectively.


   Tenzin Dolma from Himachal Pradesh secured Gold in today's Vertical Ski Mountaineering of women’s category, the first medal for her in KIWGs. As an Ultra Trail Runner, Dolma didn't find the competition challenging since the endurance she had developed over the period showered her with desired rewards.

In the same event, Natasha Mahar from Himachal Pradesh improved from yesterday's performance to win silver while Manek Gunjiyal of Uttarakhand who had won Gold in Women’s Snowboarding Slalom on Sunday had tough luck today and had to settle for bronze. Gunjiyal was one of the gold medallists from KIWG-2024.

She knows the slopes of Gulmarg like her home, that is what is the magic of success.

While speaking regarding her perseverance, she said that dry practice & training during snow period helps her to build stamina which is essential at high altitude field of action.


In the Nordic Ski Sprint, ITBP sent all other participants to cleaners while wresting all three medals in the event. The ITBP players Kulsum Rana, Selma Soreng & Anjana Devi obtained Gold, Silver & Bronze respectively.

The Nordic Ski Sprint for men saw medals raining for the Army as the athletes including Manjeet,  Shubam Parihar and Sunny Singh took away Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively leaving others high & dry amid the snow.

Competing against thirty other participants in Snowboard gaint Slalom event,  Zubair Ahmad Lone from J&K, glided the slopes fiercely to clinch Gold Medal, while Kulvinder Sharma and Karan Sing of Army settled with Silver & Bronze.

Similarly, in Alpine Gaint Slalom Category Women, Himachal Pradesh had triple whammy to celebrate all three medals with Anchal Thakur, Tanuja Thakur and Suhani Thakur taking home Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively amid the huge applause of spectators and supporters.

In the Men's Category of Alpine Giant Slalom,  Sunil Kumar from Army, Atul Bhat from ITBP and Yogesh Kumar from Himachal Pradesh achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively. It would be entertaining to watch which among these teams would be dominating the final medal tally of KIWGs.

Similarly, in Alpine Gaint Slalom Category Women, Himachal Pradesh had triple whammy to celebrate all three medals with Anchal Thakur, Tanuja Thakur and Suhani Thakur taking home Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively amid the huge applause of spectators and supports.

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‘Lays emphasis on vital role of community involvement in preserving natural beauty, its environs’

GULMARG, JULY 27: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today flagged off a massive cleanliness-cum-awareness drive here.

The drive was organised by Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) in collaboration with Rotary Club Kashmir.

Addressing the large gathering of officers , volunteers and school children, Advisor Bhatnagar emphasized on the vital role of community involvement in preserving the natural beauty and its environs.  He added that our goal should not only be clean up but to foster a sense of responsibility towards our environment.

While interacting with participants after flagging off the drive, Advisor Bhatnagar stressed upon collective and collaborative efforts from everyone for ensuring plastic and polythene free Gulmarg. He added that we must ensure a plastic-free environment as this will help preserve our fragile ecosystem and maintain a clean and safe environment for future generations


He highlighted the role of civil society towards this endeavour and lauded the role of GDA and other organisations for their efforts and commitment towards making this world famous destination free of plastic and polythene.

CEO GDA, Waseem Raja while expressing his gratitude to the Advisor for leading the cleanliness drive, appraised him about steps being taken by GDA and Gulmarg Municipality to ensure litter free and plastic free Gulmarg. He assured the Advisor that in coming days more such steps will be taken towards this endeavour.

The cleanliness drive started from Gulmarg club and concluded in children’s park where few dustbins were also donated by Rotary Club for the park.

 Executive Officer Municipality Gulmarg, AD Tourism Gulmarg, SHO Gulmarg and other officers and service providers also participated in the drive.

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Athletes participating in KIWG realizing PM Modi’s dream: Secretary Sports Council

GULMARG, FEBRUARY 25:  The spectacular display of five day sports show of 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games, 2024 came to an end today at an impressive closing ceremony at Golf Course Gulmarg.

Besides Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, who was the chief guest on the occasion, the ceremony was attended by CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority, Waseem Raja, GM Cable Car Corporation, SSP Traffic Rural, 6-time Olympian, athletes, officials and a large number of local people.

The 4th edition of KIWG crowned Army as new champions which clinched the top position with 10 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze medals  followed by first runner up  Karnataka with 9 gold & 2 silver medals  and 2nd runner up Maharashtra with 7 gold, 8 silver & 7 bronze medals.

The J&K is placed at 9th position in the medal tally  with 1 gold, 6 Silver and 4 bronze medals.

From hosts Shahid Ahmad Chach clinched sole Gold medal in Verticle Ski Mountaineering while he also won silver in another discipline of Sprint and shared a bronze with three other colleagues in Ski Mountaineering Men Relay group.

Besides Chachi,  Shazi Hassan, Sobia Nabi, Shaista Shabir & Vikar  also bagged silver medals in Ski Mountaineering Women Sprint, Alpine Skiing Women Slalom and Alpine Skiing Women Parallel and Men Parallel Slalom respectively.

Also, J&K  bagged another Silver in Ski Mountaineering Women Relay in which Shazia Hassan, Maryam Farooq and Noorian Latief teamed up to display enthusiastic spirit to clinch the title.

Further, four bronze medals also came in the  bucket of J&K including one from  Men Relay Ski Mountaineering team and  three  others were scored by Gousia Gulzar, Mehraj ud Din Bhat and Mehraj Ud Din Khan in individual events.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Secretary, Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull expressed gratitude to the Officers and Officials of Divisional Administration, District Administration, Civil Departments and security agencies for rendering their services for successful conduct of 4th Edition of Khelo India Winter Games.

She also thanked athletes who came from different parts of the country and displayed their talent and sprit of sportsmanship.

She maintained that athletes participating in KIWG are realizing the dream of Prime Minister, Shri Narander Modi.

“khelo India Games are providing platform to youth from grassroot level to showcase their talent and compete at national level”, she said.

Speaking about the importance of KWIG in cultural enrichment, she said, “these games are helping in the exchange of culture, tradition and languages among athletes and enhance their vision and confidence”.

While appreciating the Local & national  media for  wide coverage of the event she conveyed the appreciation message of Union Minister of Youth Services & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur for the positive & pivotal role played by the media.

She also thanked all Olympians for officiating the Khelo India Winter Games and enabling professional conduct of national event in which 600 athletes & officials participated.

CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority Waseem Raja also expressed his gratitude to the departments and service providers for successful conduct of KIWG.

The mementos & appreciation certificates were also distributed among the guests and service providers.

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GULMARG, FEBRUARY 25: Shahid Ahmad Chachi, the sole gold medal winner for J&K in 4th Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg brought cheers to the host UT on Saturday. His yellow footprints on the Kangdoori slopes shall leave indelible marks on his evolving professional career.

Shahid did not disappoint his admirers; instead he won hearts of fans & sport lovers with a phenomenal performance in Vertical Ski Mountaineering at Kangdoori when he mounted the distance taking 35 minutes 29 seconds earning the title by defeating  Mayank Dimri with marginal duration of 41 seconds.

Shahid Chachi,  local boy from Tangmarg coming from humble background,  is a self taught athlete who has  been working hard diurnally to embark on the successful sports career.

Yesterday was the moment,  he achieved milestone and the first Gold medal in of his career in any national event.

Thanking Almighty for the success, Chachi says, ” I put tremendous effort during my training and my God bestowed me with  result”. “My family support & prayers rejuvenated my energy and made it convenient for me to obtain the goal”. 

Initially, he had topped the event organized by local Ski association. After assessing the inbuilt potential that Chachi possesses, association members encouraged him and mentored his talent by working on his   techniques and skill.

Acknowledging the role of coaches for the latest success, Chachi thanked Mehraj Ud Din Bhat and Younis Ahmed for the support,  valuable guidance and mentorship.

The coaches saw glimpse of fine talent in the youngster who  invited him to register for 4th Khelo India Winter Games, 2024.

The Gold medal was his 3rd  medal in KIWG after Silver in Sprint and shared  bronze in Men’s Relay of Skiing Mountaineering with a group of other three colleagues including Mehraj ud Din Bhat, Ghulam Mohammad & Shiekh  Mohsin.

“Given the opportunity to represent the UT and Country, I will surely bring medals”, Shahid makes a promise to the nation.

“We have great facilities here”, he says and adds that “we only need willpower to participate in games”.

“Many youngsters of our country go foreign countries to participate in various competitions” the athlete expects them to explore the winter adventure at Gulmarg.

The elated youngster while celebrating the occasion, shows reservation to give credit to anyone  other than country and himself.

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The trained skier and mountaineer won three Nordic skiing gold medals at the Khelo India Winter Games 2024in Gulmarg

GULMARG, FEBRUARY 24: If there was a prize for the ‘Woman of the Khelo India Winter Games 2024’ underway in Gulmarg, Thekkada Bhavani Nanjugunda would perhaps walk away with the honours. The Karnataka skier, who is also a mountaineer with decent credentials, completed a hattrick of gold medals in Nordic skiing at the iconic Gulmarg Golf Course on Saturday.

Bhavani’s consistency in this edition of the Games, where the technical parameters have been directly managed by the Sports Authority of India, impressed no other than six-time Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan, who thinks there is a lot to achieve for Indian snow sport athletes, given the fantastic conditions available in Gulmarg.

Thekkada Bhavani Nanjugunda won the 10 km race on Saturday to cap off a very successful KIWG 2024. She had won the 5 km and the 1.6 km races earlier in the championship and has been solely responsible for Karnataka’s fine run in the Games.

A slim girl with average height, Bhavani hails from Karnataka where snow is found as abundantly as water in desert. Bhavani happened to visit Kashmir during winter in her childhood. The snow fascinated her, the 28-year-old recalled.

It was through the NCC where she first got the taste of adventure sports. Bhavani says, “After that I joined Jawahar Mountaineering Institute at Pahalgam where the Principal of the institute and instructors encouraged me to learn cross country.” She never looked back.  

For the first time in 2020, she took part in a cross-country race at Gulmarg. “I learned techniques while watching the Army teams,” said Bhavani, adding that the High Altitude Warfare School has been one of her greatest supports.

“I continue my training with Army at Gulmarg who are providing me accommodation and other technical facilities,” she said, adding, “Throughout the year I do endurance training at home”.

“When my friends watch me running everyday, they ask me ‘What is the fun about?’. I tell them I am preparing for the Winter Games. They look a bit puzzled. The awareness on winter sports needs to grow,” said Bhavani, who aspire to represent India at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy.

Bhavani has been conducting seminars to motivate youngsters to take up winter sports.

“Today we see a lot of change as players from non-snow states are seriously participating in Khelo India Winter Games,” said Bhavani. Karnataka skaters dominated the first leg of the KIWG in Ladakh earlier this month.

Bhavani is no stranger to Khelo India Winter Games. On her debut in 2021, she won gold and bronze in cross-country skiing. Interestingly, Bhavani is the first women to represent India in a biathlon event. A biathlon event usually combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting!

Bhavani has a few firsts to her name. She trained in New Zealand and in 2019,became the first Indian woman to hold an international ski instructor certificate.She was the first South Indian to represent the country in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2023 in Slovenia. She is the first South Indian and only Indian this year to qualify for the 2023 World Championships!

The future can be bright if the government keeps supporting winter sports in India. The Khelo India Winter Games are a step in the right direction and Bhavani feels athletes from Jammu and Kashmir can do much better since snow is at their footsteps.

“The (J&K) girls are lacking awareness. Family support is pivotal and it is important to break away from stereotypes,” said Bhavani, who wants more junior level tournaments to raise interest and awareness in winter sports from childhood.

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J&K wins four medals; Shahid , Viqar, , Sobia, Gousia clinch titles in different disciplines

Nordic Competitions conclude; athletes express gratitude to administration, Sports Council

GULMARG, FEBRUARY 24: On the fourth Day of Khelo India Winter Games, Jammu and Kashmir saw glitter over the snow peaks of Gulmarg as a local boy from Tangmarg, Shahid Ahmad Chachi triumphed Ski Mountaineering in Men’s Verticle Catogory  at Kangdoori and was capped with gold medal, the first one for UT.

Mayank Dimri from Uttrakhand was decorated with silver while Thir Bhadhur with Bronze.

In the same event for women, Kamaya Kartikayan from Maharashtra, Menak Gunjiyal from Uttrakhand and Gousia Gulzar from J&K won Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively.

Besides, in the sport of Alpine Skiing Slalom for women Anchal Thakur from Himachal Pradesh clinched Gold, Sobiya Nabi from J&K followed with Silver and Diya Thakur from Himachal with Bronze. It was plus one for Anchal Thakur who has already decorated herself with first Gold medal in Giant Slalom.

Thanking God for the achievement, Anchal says that she was confident of her preparation. She said, “I wanted to have best results.” “I will take with me the experience and memories from 4th Khelo India Winter Games”, She said.

Regarding the arrangements she expressed gratitude to the government and J&K Sports council for  excellent arrangements and providing athletes opportunity to enhance their skill.

Apline Skiing Slalom for Men witnessed Army triumphing with medals as it’s athletes Baqir Hussain won gold medal, Mayank Panwar obtained silver, Jekmat Rafstan got bronze. Baqir also becomes the player who won gold medals both in Giant Slalom and Slalom.

In another event of Snowboard Parallel Slalom of Men’s Category, Kulvinder Sharma from Army, Vikar from J&K and Kamal Jeet from Himachal emerged victorious wining Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively. Like Anchal Thakur and Baqir Hussain, Kulvinder Sharma also took second gold medal after winning Snowboard Slalom and Parallel Slalom at Kangdoori.

Bhavani Thekkada  Nanjunda  from Karnataka lit the Golf Course Nordic Skiing  track with celebrations when she struck  hattrick of Gold medals after winning Nordic Distance 10Km competition. In the previous two events, she had also won gold in Sprint 1.6km and Sprint 5Km.

Sapna & Prince from ITBP won silver & bronze respectively in the event. It had been 2nd silver for Sapna after getting silver in 5km Nordic and surprisingly, Prince Kumari had also won bronze in the same event.

Nordic Skiing for Distance 10Km was the concluding event of the discipline in this 4th KIWG.

The  four medals for J&K today has brought joy over the faces of spectators who cheered up for the  local promising athletes- Shahid , Vikar, Sobia & Gousia who clinched titles.

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Karnataka leads medal tally with eight Gold medal; Himachal Pradesh again sweeps medals in Snowboard event

GULMARG, FEBRUARY 23: As the weather was sunny today, the Khelo India winter games progressed smoothly as the scheduled events were held in all the four disciplines. The day witnessed some thrilling competitions and spectacular performances by the participants in various snow sports events.

Today, Nordic Skiing event was held at Golf Course while Alpine Skiing, Ski Mountaineering and Snowboard sports were organised at Kangdoori.

In overall medal tally, including phase 01 of Ladakh and phase 2nd Gulmarg, Karnataka is leading with eight gold and two silver medals followed by Maharashtra with six gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals. Showing consistent performance, Army is positioned at  third position with a score of 4,3,3 of medals till today.

In the Nordic skiing event, Padma Namgial of the Indian Army clinched the gold medal in the men’s 15kms run category, followed by Manjeet and Rameez Ahmad Padder, who bagged the silver and bronze medals respectively. The winners were felicitated by six-time Olympian Sheva Keshavan who congratulated the athletes for exemplary performance.

In Skii Mountaineering Relay at Kandoori of Mens Category Army bagged Gold, Uttrakhand Silver and J&K Bronze. In the same event of Womens category, Himachal Pradesh won gold and J&K achieved silver.

In alpine skiing of men giant slalom Baqir Hussain of army clinched gold, Pranav of Himachal scored silver while bronze also went to army as Debendra Gurgung got third position.

Similarly, in snowboard at Kangdoori of men category Kulvinder Sharma and Karan sing of army took away gold and silver medals respectively while Mehraj ud din Khan scored bronze

In the same event of women Himachal once again sweeps the medals as Preeti Thakur, Pakarti Thakur and Deepika Thakur took away Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively.

Meanwhile the winners of yesterday’s events were also felicitated today at medal ceremony at Golf Course, where the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs and Sports, Nisith Pramanik, felicitated the winners and praised their achievements.

The winner while expressing the satisfaction over their performance gave credit to their hardwork and training they underwent to prepare the competitions. They expressed their satisfaction over the logistic support by the administration and different associations who are orgainsing the Khelo India Winter games.

Bhavan from Karnataka who has won two gold medals and is eyeing on the third medal in 10 KM event scheduled for tomorrow said, “I have been waiting for this movement for the entire year”. “I wish to represent India in next Olympic winter games and bring first medal for the country”, she said.

She also appreciated J&K Sports council for the arrangements and facilities enabling athletes to focus on the completions. 

Rameez Padder, Nordic Skier from J&K, happens to have bright career as he had won two gold medals in 1st & 2nd edition of Khelo India Winter Games and bronze in 3rd edition again scored bronze today. He has also pitched hope to represent country at international level. “I wish that foreign country athletes also participate here” he said. Inviting youth to engage themselves in sports activities and develop sports spirit, Padder said, “Sports act as antidote to save youth from drugs”.  He also emphasized  for promotion of games and engaging youth in activities to utilize the potential of youngsters.

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GULMARG, FEBRUARY 22: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports, Nisith Pramanik today flagged off women’s mountain ski event at Kongdoori Phase 1 here during the ongoing 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games.

After flagging off the event, 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 this 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.

Nisith Pramanik remarked that the Khelo India Winter Games is a major event that showcases the potential of Gulmarg as the capital of winter sports in the country. He said that next edition of  event would be even bigger with all the international standards. He also 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.

Minister further said that the Khelo India Winter Games is not only a sports event, but a snow festival that celebrates  beauty and culture of Gulmarg and J&K. He added that the event has boosted  tourism and 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 hope that Khelo India Winter Games would inspire more youngsters to take up winter sports and excel in them. He said that the government is committed to provide all the necessary facilities and support to the budding sportspersons and make India a global leader in winter sports.

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It is a momentous occasion for more than 600 athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event: LG Sinha

The 4th Khelo India Winter Games, over the next 4 days, will honor the hard work, skills, dedication and sporting excellence on ski slope: LG
I am confident the winter sports extravaganza will renew the spirit of brotherhood, peace and harmony among all the teams: LG Sinha
LG invites the athletes, team officials and sports enthusiasts to enjoy J&K’s warm hospitality, enjoy the thrill of Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, snow Mountaineering competitions and also enjoy the incredible sights and cuisine of the paradise on earth

GULMARG, FEBRUARY 21: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the snow sports event of 4th Khelo India Games at the world-famous ski resort, Gulmarg today.

Shri Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs also graced the occasion.

The Lt Governor conveyed his best wishes to athletes from all over the country participating in different winter-sports disciplines. “It is a momentous occasion for more than 600 athletes who have been preparing for this spectacular event,” he said.

He invited the athletes, team officials and sports enthusiasts to enjoy the warm hospitality of Jammu Kashmir, enjoy the thrill of Alpine Ski, Nordic Ski, snow Mountaineering competitions and also enjoy the incredible sights and cuisine of the paradise on earth.

“The 4th Khelo India Winter Games, over the next 4 days, will honor the hard work, skills, dedication and sporting excellence on ski slope and I am confident it will renew the spirit of brotherhood, peace and harmony among all the teams,” the Lt Governor said.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the government to promote robust sports culture in cities and villages of the Union Territory.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, a new era of sports has emerged in Jammu Kashmir. Renewed thrust on state-of-art infrastructure and allied facilities has given a huge impetus to sports sector, the Lt Governor observed.

Our talented sportspersons have proved their mettle in national and international sports events. Their achievements are inspiring the budding athletes to bring laurels to the UT and the nation, he said.

He also expressed gratitude to Government of India, Union Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India for their support and cooperation. Under PMDP, national and international level sports infrastructure has been developed in J&K, he added.

Sh Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, through a video message, extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the Khelo India Winter Games event and encouraged the participating athletes to give their best in the tournament.

Sh Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Affairs lauded the Lt Governor led UT Administration for developing sports infrastructure at grassroot level and setting a milestone for other states as well.

Sh Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, J&K KVIB; Maj Gen J. Fernandes, HAWS; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Ms. Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism; Sh Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Youth Services & Sports; Sh Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, senior officials, representatives of Sports Authority of India and various sports organizations, prominent sports personalities and sports enthusiasts in large numbers were present.

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 GULMARG, FEBRUARY 20: The alert Ski Patrol team of the Tourism Department today rescued a snowboarder from Himachal Pradesh who had fractured her ankle and had got stuck in the upper reaches of Gulmarg slopes owing to windy weather.

According to reports, the Ski Patrol team of the Tourism Department, which is deployed in the higher reaches of Gulmarg resort for the safety and rescue of skiers, received a radio call from a skier, Amit Kapoor, a pilot by profession, who informed that the lady snowboarder had got stuck near the back entry adjacent to K 3 mid mountain.

As the weather was quite windy but despite that the three member Ski Patrol team comprising Mehraj ud Din, Muhammad Ashraf and Abdul Ahad took up the uphill mission alongwith a Toboggan and other necessary first aid and soon a quick rescue was launched by the Ski Patrol members. The snowboarder was loaded in Toboggan, given quick first aid immediately and removed to hospital for further treatment.

In a similar incident early this month, the Ski Patrol team had rescued a Norwegean skier when he had lost his ski track and landed on a wrong track.

Ski Patrol team of the Tourism Department, it may be mentioned here, is a team of Avalanche Forecasters and well-trained Ski guides with brilliance in timely rescue. The team updates daily snow forecasts and avalanche advisories for the skiers for making Gulmarg skiing their best experience.

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 Asks officers to adopt coordinated approach for making event a grand success

GULMARG, JANUARY 27: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, today visited famous tourist destination Gulmarg and chaired a meeting at Golf Club here to review arrangements for the upcoming third edition of ‘Khelo India National Winter Games’.

The third edition of ‘Khelo India National Winter Games’ is being held under Khelo-India Sports Initiative of Union Government from 10th to 14th February 2023.

Addressing the officers during the meeting, Advisor maintained that the games will not only promote sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir but will also go a long way in attracting the tourists, both domestic and foreign.

While reviewing arrangements for the event, Advisor Bhatnagar emphasized upon the district administration and concerned private agencies to put in place all arrangements well in advance for successful conduct of this mega sports carnival. He delved upon officers and different stakeholders to maintain close coordination and synergy for smooth conduct of the event.

Advisor further said that the approach of the Government is to promote tourism at full scale and therefore we should utilise this opportunity for exploiting and boosting the tourism potential of our UT.

While reviewing other aspects related to the event, Advisor exhorted upon the officers that all necessary arrangements like accommodation, lodging and other facilities for the players should be put in place well in advance to avoid any last minute rush. He directed the officers to establish a Joint Control Room manned by the senior officials for any kind of exigency during the event

During the meeting, accommodation for participants, traffic management, identification of additional parking slots, snow clearance, security, transport facilities, media coverage, maintenance of slops, electricity, water, health care facilities and other related issues were also discussed in detail.

The meeting was informed that both national and local sports persons and athletes are participating in the event. It was given out that this year around 2000 athletes from different parts of the country will converge on the snow-bound slopes of Gulmarg during the event to compete in different categories of sports.

It was also highlighted during the meeting that the event will witness various cultural programmes to impart festive look to the event.

The meeting was also informed that the notable sports activities, which will be the hallmark attractions of the 3rd Khelo India Winter Games’, will include Snow Shoe Race, Ice Skating, Ice Hockey, Skiing, Nordic Ski, Snowboarding, Ski Mountaineering and Ice Stock besides other activities.

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