Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, an avid supporter of sports and adventure, was seen participating in alpine climbing in Ladakh on Saturday. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting sports and adventure activities in Bharat through initiatives like ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India.’ Rijiju expressed his enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the commencement of the fourth edition of Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh.
Khelo India Winter Games 2024 Kick Off in Ladakh
The Khelo India Winter Games 2024, making its debut in Ladakh, had a vibrant start at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium on Friday. Fifteen states and two public institutions are participating in ice hockey and ice-skating events over the course of five days. Brig. B.D. Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the event as the chief guest.
PM Modi’s Special Message and Ladakh’s Khelo India Centre of Excellence
On this significant occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a special message, emphasizing how Khelo India is fostering unity and bringing the nation closer. PM Modi expressed his vision for Khelo India Winter Games, aiming to nurture champions and position Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as premier winter sports destinations globally.
The Union Territory of Ladakh will now host a Khelo India Centre of Excellence, a development celebrated as a historic milestone. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Sports Authority of India and the sports department of Ladakh on Friday. The Centre will focus on athletics, archery, and boxing, providing crucial support to athletes in the region.
Exciting Day 1 Highlights and Medal Results
The opening day of the Khelo India Winter Games witnessed traditional folk dances, foot-tapping music by local band Dashugs, and an exhibition ice hockey match between UT-Ladakh and Indo-Tibetan Border Police. The match ended in a thrilling 0-0 draw. A 500-meter short-track ice skating event by a team of girls from across India added to the excitement.
Medals were also awarded on Day 1, with Eklavya Jagal of Uttar Pradesh securing gold in the under-17 short track (300m) skating for boys. Karnataka’s Akash Aradhya claimed gold in the boys’ 17-plus short track skating. The event showcased talent from different states, with participants delivering impressive performances.
Anticipation Builds as Teams Compete in Ice Hockey
Eight teams in men’s ice hockey and four in women’s ice hockey have commenced their campaigns. The teams, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, are vying for top honors in both men’s and women’s sections. The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 promises a thrilling showcase of talent, competition, and unity in the realm of winter sports.
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