New Delhi: The Minister of State (MoS) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju, today inaugurated the first-ever Khelo India Winter Games at Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports stated in a Press communication that the event, which is the first of its kind in India, is being organised to promote winters sports in India and to popularise these games among the youth of the country.

Speaking at the launch ceremony of the Winter Games, Sports Minister Rijiju said, “To channelize 20 percent share of youth energy of the world from India, the government is conducting University Games, Youth Games, and Winter Games for the first time under the Khelo India programme. So far, 15 thousand students have been identified and under training in various camps. From 7 March, Jammu & Kashmir Winter games will be conducted in Gulmarg, and I assure increase in funds for improving the standards and participation in the Winter Games.”

The second leg of the Khelo India Winter Games will be held at Kongdori, Gulmarg, from 7 to 11 March and will have participants competing in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snow boarding, and snow shoeing events.

A total of three winter sporting competitions are being held during the Ladakh leg of Khelo India Winter Games: Open Ice Hockey Championship, Figure Skating, Speed Skating. These events will have over 1,700 athletes from Leh and Kargil participating during the competitions which will be held at Block, District and UT levels during these games.

Also read: 3,400 Athletes, 159 universities participating in 17 sports at Khelo India Games 2020

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