SRINAGAR: Forget Europe, Gulmarg is all set to become an international winter sports paradise.
Thanks to Khelo India Winter Games, the central government is pitching Gulmarg as a global sports destination.
From developing infrastructure to setting up the Centre of Excellence, Gulmarg will undergo a major makeover to make its presence felt on the international stage.
“It is the vision of PM Narendra Modi to create sporting infrastructure across India. Setting up the National Centre of Excellence in the valley will support the athletes of J&K,” said Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
The basic motive of setting up the Centre of Excellence is to tap and groom talent. The government also plans to give a major infrastructure push to attract international teams and sportspersons to play in Gulmarg.
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“Quality of snow is second to none in Gulmarg. People who ski in Gulmarg have vouched for snow and the alps. Unlike other destinations, the Ice hockey rink is naturally formed. In other destinations, people mechanically convert snow into ice and create hockey rinks. Gulmarg is different. This is added advantage for the place,” said a senior officer.
Since the three editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have been a major hit, the Centre plans to launch a massive publicity blitzkrieg for the fourth edition at the international level.
“The government will pitch Gulmarg as a winter sports destination for international teams as well,” said the officer.
This year more than 1500 players and other staff from 29 states, union territories, and sports boards participated in the winter games. J&K topped the medal tally, bagging 26 gold, 25 silver, and 25 bronze. It was followed by Maharashtra with 13 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals. The third position was achieved by Himachal Pradesh 10 Gold, 14 Silver, and 7 Bronze while Army scored 10 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals.
“These athletes have seen the hospitality, abundance of nature, and enthralling conduction of games. They have exchanged culture and great sporting spirit for the promotion of the sports ecosystem of India,” said Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council.
Secretary Youth Services & Sports and Tourism Sarmad Hafeez said Gulmarg has emerged as the winter sports capital of the country. He thanked the Centre for holding the third Khelo India winter games in Gulmarg.