Leh, Jan 30: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) inaugurated ‘Sheen-e-She (Shan)’- the mascot of the 4th Khelo India Winter Games- to be held in Ladakh from February 2 to 6, 2024, at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat. Similarly, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the logo of the Khelo India Winter Games. Ladakh will be conducting two events, i.e. ice hockey and speed ice skating.
Stating that the Khelo India Winter Games is being held in UT Ladakh for the first time, the HLG called Ladakh the ideal place to host Winter Games due to its cold climate, altitude and other geographical conditions. The HLG assured to improve the facilities for the players and appreciated the sportspersons for their willingness, resilience and sport-mindedness. He also highlighted the importance of Shanti Stupa and the turning Wheel of Dharma incorporated in the logo of the Khelo India Winter Games as it spreads the message of the importance of spreading the light of truth on humanity.
Highlighting the need to encourage participants/sportspersons by providing all possible assistance and sports equipment to them, the HLG hoped to achieve the goal through the collective effort of J&K Administration, Ladakh Administration and Govt of India.
Terming Winter Games synonymous with J&K, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Shri Manoj Sinha, stated that Ladakh also has the potential to become synonymous with the Winter Games. He highlighted the rapid strides taken by sports in India over the years and the laurels brought by the sportspersons to the nation.
Secretary (Sports) for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) of the Government of India (GOI), Smt Sujata Chaturvedi, informed that the 4th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games would be held from February 2 to 6 in two disciplines. She also informed that 705 athletes from across India will take part in the winter games which includes 344 athletes who will feature in ice hockey and speed ice skating events in Ladakh. She also highlighted the salient features of the Khelo India Winter Games logo and mascot, Sheen-e-She (Shan).
The Khelo India video and anthem were also played on the occasion.
The three venues for the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 would be the NDS Sports Stadium, Guphuks Pond and Ladakh Scout Regimental Centre (LSRC) rink.
Advisor to the HLG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; Principal Secretary, Shri Sanjiv Khirwar, IAS; ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; Commissioner/Secretary, Smt Padma Angmo, IIS; Commissioner/Secretary, Sri Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, IRS; Commissioner/Secretary, Dr Vasanthakumar N, IAS; Secretary to HLG, Shri Ravinder Kumar, IAS; Joint Secretary, Sports, Shri Moses Kunzang, JKAS and other officials were present during the launch ceremony.
