Gulmarg: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to revolutionizing the sports sector, ensuring that youth stay engaged in productive activities rather than being “diverted toward the wrong paths.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in Gulmarg, Abdullah outlined plans to expand sports infrastructure across villages, aiming to make J&K a hub for traditional, adventure, and winter sports.
“Our focus is on channeling youth energy into sports. We aspire to turn Jammu and Kashmir into a premier sports destination,” he stated.
Highlighting his administration’s dedication, the chief minister noted that substantial funds had been allocated in the recent J&K budget for sports development. Over the next four and a half years, the government aims to bring transformative changes to the sector.
Addressing concerns over this year’s games, Abdullah acknowledged that the unusually dry winter in January and February created uncertainty. The lack of snow forced a reassessment of the event’s feasibility, leading to discussions on postponement or cancellation.
“After thorough evaluations, we decided to wait for snowfall. Thankfully, by the grace of the Almighty, Gulmarg received enough snow, and the 5th KIWG could proceed,” he said.
An avid skier himself, Abdullah shared his own experience of skiing on snow with high water content, emphasizing the challenges faced by athletes. He lauded their resilience and perseverance despite tough conditions.
The CM stressed the need for advanced, eco-friendly artificial snow technology to ensure that the KIWG can be held earlier in the winter season, starting in December or January. He also reiterated Gulmarg’s position as India’s winter sports capital, emphasizing that its skiing heritage dates back to the British era.
However, he admitted that the region’s current sports infrastructure is inadequate to meet the growing demands of winter sports and tourism. Drawing comparisons with Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, he pointed out that world-class skiing facilities there are attracting international athletes who once flocked to Gulmarg.
“If we want to compete as a global winter sports destination, we must make significant investments in infrastructure,” he said.
Discussing the recent inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah called it a “game-changer” for tourism and sports. He revealed plans to develop skiing infrastructure in Sonamarg, making it another premier winter sports destination.
The chief minister also stressed the need to promote emerging sports beyond cricket and football, which require large grounds. “Pickleball and other rising sports require minimal space. We must diversify to cater to growing interests,” he noted.
Abdullah extended a warm invitation to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the chief guest at the event, encouraging him and his family to explore Gulmarg and other scenic destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.
In his concluding remarks, he thanked the athletes for their dedication and participation, despite the short notice for the commencement of the games.
