Srinagar, Feb 15 (KNO): With the end of the prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir valley, the world-famous ski resort Gulmarg is now adorned in white and all set for the 4th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, with authorities saying that all necessary arrangements are in place.
Previously grappling with the dry spell, the administration rescheduled the event from February 2-6 to February 21-26.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Rauf Tramboo, President of the Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir (WGAJK), said, “We are excited about the upcoming events, which will feature four simultaneous competitions, including Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, and Ski Boarding.” He said the unique course sets are being prepared for each competition to make the event extraordinary.
The Khelo India Winter Games, organized by the Sports Authority of India in collaboration with the Olympic Ad Hoc Committee for Ski and Snowboard India and the Winter Games Association of Jammu & Kashmir, will achieve a historic milestone by introducing its first-ever live streaming on Star Sports.
“This aims to bring the exhilarating winter sports action from Gulmarg to a global audience,” Tramboo revealed. “Besides live telecast, the international standard of games will be maintained and the athletes will be geared with the high-tech technological equipment (chips) replaced by the ordinary timers which are going to track their every motion and details.”
He said snowfall is required for the two types of games, Alpine and Nordic skiing, which require a minimum snowfall accumulation of 6 feet and 3 feet respectively. This has to be maintained seven days prior to the commencement of the games,” he informed.
Rauf said over 400 athletes from different states and Union Territories will participate in the event. “Our main focus is on the Olympic Games, with the commitment to groom athletes for international competitions,” he said.
He said all arrangements, including transportation and logistics, are in place. “The only wait is for the commencement of the games,” he added.
The 3rd edition of the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg on February 10, 2023, witnessed the participation of over 1500 athletes from 29 States, Union Territories, and Institutional teams.
As per predictions by the Kashmir weatherman, wet days are expected from February 18 to 20, with higher reaches likely to receive a significant amount of snowfall, while plains may experience rain/snow.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, inspected the venue and chaired a meeting at Golf Club Gulmarg to assess arrangements for the upcoming games.
The DC highlighted the importance of timely arrangements and directed the concerned departments to ensure a cohesive approach for the event's success.
"The event is set to be highly technical and will be professionally managed. Our main focus is to promote the Olympic Games, ensuring athletes are well-prepared for international competitions,” the Sherpa said—(KNO)