Leh, January 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Thursday that enhancing sports across the nation, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the union territory of Ladakh, is a key priority for his administration.
During the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, Modi reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting sports throughout India, highlighting that Ladakh and J&K have significantly contributed to the country’s sporting culture while also enhancing tourism and showcasing India’s diverse beauty. “Our government prioritizes the development of sports in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. The introduction of 100 Khelo India Centres in Jammu & Kashmir and three in Ladakh, including a Centre of Excellence in Leh focused on athletics, archery, and boxing, is transforming the region into a center of sporting excellence,” stated PM Modi.
“The KIWG 2025 will play an essential role in elevating our sporting achievements.” On a chilly morning, the KIWG 2025 kicked off energetically at the renowned NDS Stadium on Thursday.
The initial phase of the KIWG 2025 will take place in the Union Territory of Ladakh until January 27.
Subsequently, Jammu & Kashmir will host the games from February 22 to 25.
In a related note, a flight from Delhi carrying Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was unable to land at Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport due to inclement weather.
Among the attendees at the opening ceremony were several dignitaries, including the Lieutenant Governor of UT-Ladakh, Brigadier Dr. BD Mishra.
The ceremony featured a cultural program along with an exhibition ice hockey match.
Although Mandaviya expressed regret at being unable to attend the ceremony, he encouraged all participants by asserting that India is indeed a “4D sports destination.” “When I speak of a unified India, I also recognize the inherent diversity and the benefits it brings.
“Currently, we are in Leh, capable of hosting the Winter Games thanks to the favorable weather conditions. As we look towards the Northeast, it presents tremendous opportunities for the growth of adventure sports,” he remarked.
“In the future, we will explore the vast potential for beach games in southern India, and we will see our other popular sports being organized along the west coast. This reinforces that we are a 4D Nation in the realm of sports,” Mandaviya continued.
The KIWG 2025 commenced on Thursday with ice hockey competitions slated at the NDS complex and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre.
A total of nineteen teams, representing states, union territories, and institutional organizations such as the Army and ITBP, are competing.
In the Ladakh leg of KIWG 2025, there are 594 participants, including 428 athletes.
This marks the second occasion Ladakh is hosting the winter Games, which has reached its fifth edition. (Agencies)
