The 2nd Khelo India Winter Games are here and Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event on Friday, through a virtual conference. The games taking place in Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir will feature around 1200 athletes from 27 states and union territories, apart from the army personnel.

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Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "The experience of 'Khelo India Winter Games' will help us move forward with a holistic approach. These winter games in J&K will help establish new sporting ecosystem. The 'Khelo India' centres of excellence will also promote J&K tourism.

"Sports are not just a hobby or 'time pass'. In sports, we learn team spirit, look for new ways in defeats & learn to repeat victories. Sports shape the lives & lifestyle of players. It boosts self-confidence," the Prime Minister added in his address.

The event has been organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and the Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir.

From alpine skiing, nordic ski, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, ice hockey to ice skating and ice stock, the 2nd edition will have some of the most exciting sports events in the northernmost region of the country. Apart from the sports, the government has planned many cultural programmes as well along with some ethnic food and local crafts on show.

Talking about the event on the eve of the inauguration, the official spokesperson from the J&K government said, "Athletes from 27 states and Union Territories (UTs) will converge on the snow-bound slopes of Gulmarg during the event to compete in different categories of sports.

"The administration has made all the arrangements and put in place all facilities in advance. A special team of doctors and ambulances will be available round the clock. A special team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) shall remain deployed for relief and rescue operations," the official statement added.