Gulmarg: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday reaffirmed the Union Government’s commitment to transforming Gulmarg into a premier global winter sports hub and announced that a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) will be established in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen winter sports infrastructure and training systems.
He was addressing the closing ceremony of the second leg of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg.
“The land of Kashmir has immense potential. Gulmarg will become the global hub for winter sports in the coming times,” the minister said.
In a major announcement, Mandaviya said future editions of the Winter Games in Gulmarg will be expanded into a 15-day integrated event by combining sports with tourism and cultural activities.
“Now the Winter Games will not be limited to four days. By integrating tourism, we will organise a 15-day-long Winter Games that will include a Fit India carnival, cultural programmes and multiple competitions,” he said.
The second leg of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games witnessed participation of more than 900 athletes representing 25 states and Union Territories, bringing together youth from across the country.
Mandaviya emphasised that sports has the transformative power to unite society, nurture sportsmanship, promote harmony and drive holistic development. Referring to the changing atmosphere in the Valley, he said the region once associated with “patharbaji” is now recognised for “skiing”, adding that sports has become a sensation in Kashmir in recent years.
The minister also referred to his interactions with athletes and coaches at Khelo India Centres in Jammu and Kashmir and lauded the sporting spirit and growing culture of excellence emerging from the region.
Highlighting the broader vision, he spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of Viksit Bharat, stating that India aspires to host the 2036 Olympic Games and aims to rank among the top five sporting nations by 2047, marking 100 years of Independence.
He further said the Khelo India initiative has significantly expanded sporting opportunities across the country through Khelo India School Games, University Games, Youth Games, Winter Games, Water Sports, Tribal Games, North East Games and Beach Games, ensuring continuous athlete engagement throughout the year.
Reiterating the government’s focus on strengthening winter sports in the region, Mandaviya announced that the proposed National Centre of Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir will further enhance coaching facilities, athlete training systems and overall sports infrastructure in the Union Territory.
