PM Modi Sends Best Wishes for 5th Khelo India Winter Games
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi extends best wishes to athletes at the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Leh, Ladakh, hoping to inspire new talent and promote sports in the region.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's best wishes to Khelo India Winter Games athletes.
- Event aims to encourage young talent in sports.
- Government's commitment to sports development in Ladakh and J&K.
- First phase of the games hosted in Leh until January 27.
- Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to host subsequent events.
New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his heartfelt wishes to all the competitors participating in the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, which commenced in Leh, Ladakh, earlier on Thursday. He expressed hope that this event would serve to inspire emerging talent.
"Best wishes to all the athletes participating in the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025! I am confident that this tournament will inspire new talent. May the games also embody the spirit of sportsmanship," the Prime Minister shared in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In his message played during the opening ceremony of KIWG 2025, PM Modi reaffirmed the government's dedication to promoting sports activities throughout India, highlighting how Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir have not only enhanced the culture of sports in the nation but also contributed to tourism by showcasing the country’s beauty and diversity.
“Our government prioritizes sports development in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. Through 100 Khelo India Centres in Jammu & Kashmir and three in Ladakh, including a State Centre of Excellence in Leh for athletics, archery, and boxing, we are transforming the region into a center of sporting excellence,” PM Modi remarked, adding that “KIWG 2025 will significantly advance our sporting achievements.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 kicked off vibrantly at the renowned NDS Stadium in Leh. The first phase of KIWG 2025 will take place in the Union Territory of Ladakh until January 27, with the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir set to host the snow games from February 22-25.
The 5000-capacity NDS stadium showcased the spirit and excitement of adventure sports on a frigid day as Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Ladakh and J&K for organizing the first significant sports event of the national calendar, demonstrating to the world why they are prime locations for winter sports.
The flight from Delhi, carrying Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who was supposed to attend the KIWG 2025 opening, could not land at Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport due to adverse weather. Nevertheless, in a touching message, Dr. Mandaviya declared the Games open.
Numerous dignitaries, including the Lt Governor of UT-Ladakh, Brigadier Dr. BD Mishra, were present at the opening ceremony, which featured teams parading past the VIP podium on skates. A cultural showcase and an exhibition ice-hockey match marked a lively opening ceremony.
Dr. Mandaviya expressed his regret at missing the opening ceremony but encouraged all stakeholders, proclaiming that India is truly a “4D sports destination.”
“When I consider a united India, I also appreciate the diversity within it and the benefits it brings. Currently, we are in Leh, and we can host the Winter Games here due to the prevailing weather conditions. Moving towards the Northeast, we find a fantastic region for the development of adventure sports.
“In the future, we will explore the vast potential of beach games in South India and see our other popular games being organized along the west coast. This indicates that we are a 4D Nation in sports,” stated Dr. Mandaviya.
