Srinagar, Jan 23 (KNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to sports development across India, with special focus on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh, during the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025.
In his message, PM Modi highlighted how J&K and Ladakh have become not only centers of sporting excellence but also key contributors to tourism, showcasing the stunning beauty and diversity of the nation. He said, “Our government attaches top priority to sports development in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. Through the establishment of 100 Khelo India Centres in J&K and three in Ladakh, we are shaping these regions into hubs of sporting talent.”
The government’s emphasis on sports infrastructure has already borne fruit, with the creation of a State Centre of Excellence in Leh for athletics, archery, and boxing. These initiatives are designed to foster world-class athletes and provide the necessary support for young talent to excel in national and international competitions.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
KIWG 2025 is being hosted across Ladakh from January 23 to 27, before moving to J&K for the final leg of the competition from February 22 to 25. The event features 594 participants, including 428 athletes from 19 teams representing states, union territories, and institutions like the Army and ITBP. This edition of the KIWG is especially significant as it is the second time Ladakh is hosting the winter sports extravaganza.
The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Lt Governor of UT-Ladakh, Brigadier Dr. BD Mishra. A cultural display and an exhibition ice-hockey match added vibrancy to the event, despite bad weather preventing the arrival of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who sent his best wishes for the successful conduct of the games. In his statement, Mandaviya hailed India as a “4D sports destination,” emphasizing the potential for sporting development across the country. (KNS)