As the countdown begins for the commencement of the second phase of the Khelo India Winter Games in the picturesque setting of Gulmarg, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar extends his best wishes to all the talented athletes gearing up for the event.Scheduled to unfold from February 21st to February 25th in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, this phase follows the successful kick-off held in Leh, Ladakh, from February 2nd to 6th.
In a heartfelt video message, Sachin expressed, “As the Khelo India Winter Games unfold from the 21st onwards, my best wishes go out to all the spirited athletes. Embrace the joy of sports and stay true to yourselves. While competition fuels the desire to win, it’s essential to uphold the spirit of fair play. Sports have been my greatest teacher, imparting invaluable life lessons. May this journey be equally enriching for all of you.”
The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting winter sports nationwide. Initiated in 2020 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), this fourth edition marks another milestone in fostering winter sports culture across the country. Notably, Jammu and Kashmir had clinched victory in all three previous editions, while Ladakh proudly makes its hosting debut this year, as highlighted by Olympics.com.
During the Ladakh leg, 344 athletes from 15 states, union territories, and two public institutions showcased their prowess in ice hockey and speed skating. As the spotlight now shifts to Gulmarg, an additional 361 athletes are poised to compete across ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and gondola events.
Reflecting on the first leg’s achievements, Maharashtra led the medal tally with an impressive haul of 20 medals, including six golds, followed closely by Karnataka with eight medals, also boasting six golds. Ladakh secured third place with a commendable tally of 13 medals, including two golds.With anticipation building and athletes ready to carve their mark on the snowy slopes of Gulmarg, the stage is set for yet another thrilling chapter in India’s winter sports saga.
