Khelo India Winter Games Kick Off in Gulmarg with Focus on Sports and Climate Resilience
SRINAGAR: The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was officially inaugurated on Monday at the picturesque resort of Gulmarg by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The event, which celebrates winter sports, has drawn participation from approximately 1,000 athletes and officials representing various states and union territories across India.
Promoting Peace and Unity Through Sports
In his inaugural address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the transformative power of sports. "The Khelo India Winter Games revive the sporting spirit's ideals of peace, equality, and camaraderie," Sinha stated. He highlighted how these games serve as a unifying force in India's diverse cultural landscape. "In our vibrant, diverse nation of myriad languages, cultures, and traditions, the Winter Games at Gulmarg act as a universal language and shared heritage," he added, underscoring the event's role in fostering national integration.
Climate Variability Poses Challenges for Winter Sports
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also addressed the ceremony, pointed out the significant challenges posed by climate variability, particularly in the context of Kashmir experiencing its hottest February on record. On February 21, temperatures soared to 21 degrees Celsius, creating difficulties for skiing activities. "A few weeks ago, we witnessed intense cold here. We had no idea that when the games begin, it would be so warm that skiing would become challenging. We may have to make some adjustments," Omar remarked.
He called for a more flexible approach to scheduling future events to mitigate such issues. "The truth is we cannot rely solely on nature. We decide the dates for the games at the beginning of the year without knowing when snowfall would occur or how much. I request the organizers not to fix dates in advance. Let us decide to hold the games 10 to 15 days after sufficient snowfall," the Chief Minister proposed.
Investing in Artificial Snow Generation for Sustainable Tourism
Omar Abdullah also advocated for investment in artificial snow generation systems to ensure the long-term viability of winter sports and tourism in Gulmarg. "Time has come for us to move towards artificial snow generation. I understand concerns about water and electricity usage, but if we do not create this infrastructure, a day may come when we will not even be able to ski in Gulmarg, and that would be truly unfortunate," he warned.
He emphasized the economic importance of winter tourism for local communities, including sledge operators, ski guides, instructors, and ATV drivers. "People associated with tourism make their living from this snow. It is our duty to provide the means and infrastructure that promote tourism and ensure its sustenance," Omar stated, reinforcing the need for proactive measures to combat climate impacts.
Aspirations for Gulmarg as an International Ski Destination
During his speech, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his vision to develop Gulmarg into a premier international ski destination. He drew inspiration from recent global events, noting, "In the last few days, we were watching the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. I congratulate India's skier, our own Arif Khan, who proudly waved the national flag and represented the country. I hope that from this edition of Khelo India Winter Games, a new Arif Khan will emerge." This statement reflects the broader goal of nurturing homegrown talent and elevating India's presence in international winter sports.
The four-day Khelo India Winter Games are set to showcase a variety of winter sports disciplines, providing a platform for athletes to compete and excel. The event not only highlights sporting excellence but also brings to the forefront critical discussions on environmental sustainability and adaptive strategies in the face of climate change.
