KINS DESK
Leh, Jan 23 (KINS): The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 kicked off with great fanfare on a chilly morning at the NDS Stadium in Leh today, marking the start of the first major national sporting event of the year. Hosted by the Union Territory of Ladakh from January 23-27, the Games aim to boost India’s winter sports culture and provide a platform for emerging talent in the region.
News gathering agency KINS reported that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will host the second leg of the Games from February 22-25.
Despite weather challenges preventing Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya’s arrival at the venue, he declared the Games open via a special message.
Several prominent dignitaries, including the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier Dr. BD Mishra, attended the ceremony, which featured cultural performances and an exciting ice-hockey exhibition match.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the organisers, highlighting the Games’ significance in showcasing the winter sports potential of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. “These regions not only elevate the culture of sports but also boost tourism and demonstrate India’s beauty and diversity to the world,” PM Modi said in his address.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure in the region, including 100 Khelo India Centres in Jammu & Kashmir and three in Ladakh.
Dr. Mandaviya, while missing the ceremony in person, lauded the success of the Khelo India initiative. He referred to India as a “4D sports nation,” emphasizing the country’s diverse sporting landscape, from winter sports in Ladakh to adventure sports in the Northeast and beach games in the South. He also expressed confidence in India’s future prospects at the Winter Olympics, with KIWG serving as a crucial platform for nurturing elite athletes.
The opening of KIWG 2025 was highlighted by the participation of 594 athletes, including 428 competitors, representing 19 teams from various states, Union Territories, and institutions. Ice hockey matches are already underway at the NDS complex and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre.
This marks the second time Ladakh is hosting the Khelo India Winter Games, which has grown in stature since its inception in 2020, as part of India’s broader effort to cultivate sports excellence and celebrate regional cultures through competitive events. (KINS)
Khelo India Winter Games begin in Leh, JK UT to host second leg from Feb 22 Winter games have a role to take sporting excellence to new level: PM Modi
