Gulmarg, Feb 26: Buoyed by the response to the sixth Khelo India Winter Games, the Centre on Thursday announced a major expansion of the event to a 15-day schedule from next year, aiming to leverage the sporting spectacle to boost tourism in the Kashmir Valley.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the government plans to transform the annual Games into a significant draw for both domestic and international visitors to Gulmarg.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the closing ceremony, Mandaviya highlighted the convergence of sports and tourism witnessed during the latest edition, which saw participation from over 500 athletes from across the country.
“People from all over the country came to watch the Winter Games. Tourism has also become a destination here,” Mandaviya said.
The Minister outlined the roadmap for the seventh edition, stating that the event would be scaled up considerably. “In the 7th edition, we will do the expansion of the Khelo India Winter Games. Not only for a week, but we will do it for 15 days. We will also organize the Fit India Carnival,” he said.
He added that cultural programmes would be integrated into the sporting calendar to enhance the experience for visitors. “We will also organize different cultural programs,” Mandaviya said.
The Minister underscored the government’s intent to showcase Gulmarg’s landscape to a global audience through the Games. “Winter Games will also be held so that tourists from all over the world can enjoy the snowy mountains of Gulmarg through the Khelo India Winter Games. This will also happen in the coming years,” he added.
The sixth edition, which concluded Thursday, witnessed a strong turnout of local residents who came to watch the competitions, adding to the festive atmosphere at the ski resort.
Comments are closed.