Gulmarg, March 09, 2025 – Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha officially inaugurated the 5th Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg , welcoming athletes and team officials from across India to the world-famous winter tourism destination, now established as a premier winter sports city.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to participants competing in various winter sports disciplines. “Khelo India Winter Games symbolizes the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” he said. “A real champion is made not by victory or defeat but by passion, enthusiasm, courage, and sportsmanship. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and unique abilities, honed through years of hard work, and inspire the young generation. Let us strengthen our bonds as a family by embracing the values of sportsmanship and brotherhood, promoting peace, unity, and harmony.”
Shri Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the J&K Sports Department, the Sports Council, and other stakeholders for their efforts in fostering a robust sports culture in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the development of state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, world-class coaching, and allied facilities over the past four and a half years.
“I am proud of what we have achieved,” the Lieutenant Governor remarked. “Today, Jammu and Kashmir has become a hub for national and international sporting events. International cricket has returned to the Kashmir Valley after three decades, and the success of previous Khelo India Winter Games, along with the inspiring achievements of our sportspersons, reflects our growing sporting prowess.”
He also outlined key government initiatives to promote sports in the region. Approximately 4,500 athletes are currently being trained across 92 Khelo India Centers in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, 15,000 players from the UT participated in national and zonal-level competitions. Additionally, a Water Sports Academy has been established at Nehru Park in Srinagar, and a Fencing Academy now operates at MA Stadium in Jammu. Upcoming projects include the completion of the prestigious Khel Gaon in Nagrota and the phased development of high-performance training centers across districts to enhance athlete training and performance.
The opening day of the Games saw impressive performances, with winners emerging in various events: Mehrajuddin Khan (J&K) in Men’s Snowboarding Slalom, Rajeshwar Singh (Army) in Men’s Ski Mountaineering Sprint, Yogesh Kumar (Himachal Pradesh) in Alpine Skiing Slalom, Menka Gunjiyal (Uttarakhand) in Women’s Ski Mountaineering Sprint, Bhawani Thekkada (Karnataka) in Nordic Ski, and Sunny Singh (Army) in additional Nordic Ski events.
The 5th Khelo India Winter Games mark another milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s emergence as a sporting powerhouse, blending athletic excellence with the region’s natural splendor.