Gulmarg, Feb 23 (KNO): Terming Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) as the reflection of Jammu and Kashmir's identity in the sports, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said it’s a matter of pride to throw open the prestigious event in the “historic and sacred land of Gulmarg.”
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the sixth edition of KIWG-2026, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that sports reflect Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and the spirit of national unity.
Welcoming the athletes, coaches, managers and sports enthusiasts present on the occasion, LG Sinha extended his best wishes to all participants.
He said the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg has evolved from a simple sporting event into a true national festival. “Khelo India Winter Games revive the sporting spirit's ideals of peace, equality, and camaraderie. In our vibrant, diverse nation of myriad languages, cultures, and traditions, the Winter Games at Gulmarg is serving as a universal language and shared heritage,” he said, adding, “Winter Games at Gulmarg mirror life's raw challenges, building the resilience that propels future triumphs. Falling, analyzing errors, rising improved—these are sports' true lessons, ones Skiers will live here.”
LG Sinha said, “It is a happy coincidence that the Winter Wanchit festival concluded on February 22 and today we are commencing the Khelo India Winter Games here. This is not merely an event but a reflection of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity in sports, national unity and the creative power of sports, especially for our youth,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the broader aim of Khelo India Winter Games is strengthening national unity
He said that the mega winter sports event is a celebration of our nation's sporting legacy, its unity and the transformative power of sports that binds every citizen and athlete, igniting their drive and forging unbreakable character.
“Intense rivalry yields shared conversations and lasting friendships, proving healthy competition and mutual respect coexist. Our people need this ethos now more than ever. As you race these Ski slopes, remember: diversity is our strength, not division. Khelo India reminds us our language may differ, but our goals and values unite us.
When athletes from diverse states train together, compete fiercely, and cheer one another, barriers of language, culture, and region dissolve before the sporting spirit,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He added that sports connect every citizen and inspire individuals to build a strong character and discipline.
He urged the participating athletes to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and encouraged them to give their best throughout the tournament.
“On these Ski slopes of Gulmarg, athletes’ identity hinges solely on performance; every result reflects your skills, discipline, and grit, crafting new champions.
In disciplines like alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering, athletes' rigorous training and unwavering dedication will shine through,” he further said.
Highlighting the progress in the sports sector over the past few years, the LG said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable development, with significant support from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the expansion of Khelo India Centres has played a major role in strengthening sports infrastructure in the region.
He said that the establishment of state-of-the-art sports infrastructure under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and 100 Khelo India Centres have redefined the sporting landscape. He emphasized that modern infrastructure, coupled with the talent and dedication of J&K’s youth and the proactive support of dedicated officials, has provided a massive impetus to the sector.
The Lieutenant Governor said the true character reveals itself not just in victory, but in adversity and a real athlete remains humble in triumph and dignified in defeat.
“On the 26th February, at the closing ceremony of 6th Khelo India Winter Games’ success won't be measured by medals alone, but by the spirit of unity, mutual respect, and relentless pursuit of excellence,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The four-day Khelo India Winter Games at India’s premier winter sports destination will witness the participation of around 1,000 athletes and officials from various states and UTs in different disciplines.
He credited the youth of J&K for their dedication and talent, along with the relentless efforts of officials, for the successful organisation of the Games.
Extending a warm welcome to skiers from across the country, the LG said they are not just athletes but honoured guests of Jammu and Kashmir. “The people of J&K wholeheartedly welcome you and wish that you experience not just competition but also the tradition and dignity of this paradise on earth,” he said.
Referring to the ski slopes of Gulmarg, LG Sinha said the competitions held here symbolise not only sporting excellence but also courage, determination and self-confidence of the participants.
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services & Sports; Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister; Farooq Ahmed Shah, Member of Legislative Assembly from Gulmarg; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports; V.K Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Maj Gen Puneet Doval, Commandant, High Altitude Warfare School; Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla; Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, senior officials, representatives of Sports Authority of India and various sports organizations, prominent sports personalities and sports enthusiasts in large numbers attended the inaugural ceremony—(KNO)