Nakul Shivani/ New Delhi

Third edition of the Khelo India Winter Games kicked off in the scenic tourist resort of Gulmarg in northern part of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. Around 1500 athletes are expected to participate in the 11 events over the next six days.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha inaugurated the event amid fresh snowfall in the region.

Lt Governor of J-K Manoj Sinha and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur (Pic: Basit Zargar)

The inaugural event was marked by a cultural show by local artistes.

Artists performing during the inauguration of the Winter Games (Pic: Basit Zargar)

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony Anurag Thakur talked about the change the Union Territory had witnessed from stone-pelting to sports activities. "It is really a proud moment that Jammu and Kashmir is hosting the Khelo India Winter Games," he said. He also announced the setting up of a Centre for excellence for sportspersons in the valley.

It is the vision of Hon'ble PM Shri. @narendramodi ji to create sporting infrastructure across India.

Today, at the #KheloIndiaWinterGames Shri.@manojsinha_ and I have announced the setting up of a National Centre of Excellence in the valley to support the athletes of J&K. pic.twitter.com/9s8ETZggaE

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 10, 2023

Earlier, on February 4, the Lt Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha and Union Minister for Sports Anurag Thakur launched the Mascot and anthem for the games, touted as the biggest so far.

Are you ready for the Exhilarating & Energetic Khelo India Winter Games 2022 to be held in Gulmarg from February 10th-14th.

1500 athletes, 9 sporting disciplines and 1 champion!!

I will watch these Games closely on Doordarshan, will you? pic.twitter.com/qEst54zx3e

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 5, 2023

Union Minister Anurag Thakur played cricket in the snow ahead of the inauguration of the games.

Nothing beats the thrill of hitting a six in the snow ⛄️ pic.twitter.com/p9qkCpGjon

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 9, 2023

This is the third edition of the Khelo India Winter Games. The first edition was held in Leh and Gulmarg in 2020 and the second edition in Gulmarg in 2021.

1500 athletes will take part in 11 events during the games (Pic: Basit Zargar)

The events that will take place at the Gulmarg ski-resort during the games include Skiiing, snow baseball, skating, ice-hockey, ice stock, snow rugby among others.

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