by Shakir Ashraf
SRINAGAR: The second leg of the Khelo India Winter Games is all set to start in Gulmarg on February 25 after last year’s successful event held during March 2020.
Players from across India will participate in the five-day event which is being organised by the Winter Games Association of J&K under the aegis of J&K Sports Council and Ministry of Youth Services and Sports.
Interestingly, authorities in Kashmir haven’t imposed any restriction on spectators for the Khelo India Programme even though at the international level spectators are still not allowed to enter the stadiums.
Also, the no ban on spectators during Khelo India comes in the wake of the government’s dilemma about opening the schools and colleges completely.
The games to be played in Gulmarg include Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoe, Ice Stock, Ice Skating and Ski Mountaineering.
Keeping in line with heavy snowfall in the Valley, this year Kashmir received snowfall which is expected to add more fun to these Games.
The first edition of Khelo India Winter Games held at Gulmarg in March 2020. was inaugurated by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju.
During the five day event last year, 955 athletes had participated in various events, in which the host, Jammu, and Kashmir, had bagged 26 gold medals in various sports.
Earlier on Thursday, district administration Baramulla had ordered the cancellation of all pre-bookings in the ski resort of Gulmarg to accommodate all the participants of Khelo India National winter games.
However, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla retracted the ordered stating: “We have not issued any order, and earlier order has been cancelled, however, it is a big event for which rooms are required for athletes.”
