'Situation Is Changing In Jammu And Kashmir': Anurag Thakur As 1500 Players From Across The Country Take Part In Khelo India Winter Games

Earlier, Thakur along with Manoj Sinha, the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, took part in the official launch of the mascot, anthem & jersey of the Games on Saturday (February 4).

Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Thakur has said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is changing. He cited the exampled of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) which gets underway on Friday, February 10, 2023 in Gulmarg where 1500 participants from across the length and breadth of the country are participating.

"Khelo India Winter Games are being organised in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. 11 games will be organised. 1500 players from 29 states and union territories of the country have come here. The situation is changing here," Thakur was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Earlier, Thakur along with Manoj Sinha, the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, took part in the official launch of the mascot, anthem & jersey of the Games on Saturday (February 4).

The Khelo India Winter Games is backed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and is conducted by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council as well as the Winter Games Association of Jammu & Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir sealed top spot in both editions of Khelo India Winter Games so far

A total of 1500 athletes across the country will be taking part in the games that will be held in Gulmarg. The first season of the Khelo India Winter Games took place in 2020 and hosts Jammu and Kashmir have sealed the top spot in both editions of the games. Seven different sporting disciplines had been chosen in an effort to popularise winter games among the youth of the country. The Games had Open Ice Hockey Championship, Figure Skating, and Speed Skating.

Earlier, speaking about the decision to organize these Games, the then Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju had said: "There is no better means than sport to channelize the energy of the youth in the right direction. An initiative like this will not just be a great platform for the local youth to showcase their talent, but also give a chance to the youth from across the country participating in these events to witness the rich culture and natural beauty of these places in India."

The 2023 edition of the Khelo India Winter Games are being held from February 10 to February 14 in Gulmarg.