KIWG concludes
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Mar 12: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today announced the creation of a centre of excellence for Winter Sports in Gulmarg.
In his address at the closing ceremony of the fifth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) at the Gulmarg Golf Club, Dr. Mandaviya said that in order to provide fillip to winter sports in Jammu and Kashmir Government plans of converting Gulmarg into a sporting hub.
“The Indian Government has a responsibility of developing sports across the country and Narendra Modi’s Government will put in all efforts to help elevate the level of sports in Jammu and Kashmir. We plan to create a sporting hub for winter sports here in Gulmarg to give the youth of J&K the best opportunity and infrastructure to excel in sports,” he added.
The Minister said that Gulmarg was known not just as a meadow of flowers but had now also come to be known as India’s Winter Games city.
“I have visited many foreign countries and skiing destinations but I can tell you that Gulmarg is way better, way beautiful and one of the best tourist and skiing destinations in the world. We just have to use opportunities to make the destination even better,” he said.
“India has got immense talent and we have to find and nurture it from 9 years to 24 years. To be able to do this we have to create a sports school at each district across the sub-continent, where raw talent will be scouted and then trained at National Centres of Excellence across the country. We will ensure that they are able to compete at national and international level with all support these youngsters require”, he said.
“Jammu and Kashmir is already organising one of the best upskilling of coaches’ programme among all Indian States. I have conveyed to all States to follow the coaching model created by J&K,” he said.
“Keeping in mind that we want to host the 2036 Olympic Games, we have to develop a robust sports infrastructure and a quality sports ecosystem. For this we will have to create a proper roadmap. Many at times we set a goal but the pathway required to reach there is missing. For this we had a three-day brainstorming session with the Sports Ministers, senior representatives of National Sports Federations, renowned athletes and sports experts in Hyderabad last week. We created a roadmap for the next 10 years with the inputs we received from all stakeholders,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Yuva Connect initiative under the Viksit Bharat at the University of Kashmir, the Union Minister stated that steps will be taken to promote sports and ensure Kashmir’s progress in the field.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping India’s future while addressing students at the University of Kashmir during the event.
He stated that the Government is committed to empowering young people through strategic policies and initiatives, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.
The Union Minister praised the youth of the nation who have excelled in various fields. He emphasized that the strength, ambition, and innovation of young students will drive India’s journey toward development.
“The dream of a developed India will be realized through the determination and talent of our youth,” he remarked.
The Minister also outlined the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing key policy decisions and budget allocations that focus on education, skill development, and employment generation.
He stressed that these initiatives are designed to equip young people with the necessary tools to contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, welcomed the Minister and expressed confidence in the ability of students to play a vital role in national development.
Encouraging them to take small yet impactful steps, she stated, “Every student has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change.”
As part of the program, Dr. Mandaviya interacted with students, engaging in discussions on leadership, aspirations, and nation-building.
The event also witnessed a tree-planting ceremony on the University campus under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, reinforcing a commitment to environmental sustainability.
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