Gulmarg emerging as JK’s winter games capital: CM’s Advisor Sogami
Gulmarg, Feb 23: Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Sogami on Monday said Gulmarg is emerging as the winter games capital of the country and the government is working to upgrade infrastructure to host international sporting events in the near future.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Khelo India Games at the famous ski resort in north Kashmir, Sogami welcomed the participants and organisers and congratulated them for holding the large-scale event at the same venue for the sixth time.
“It is not a small achievement that such a major event is being organised here repeatedly. The happiest thing is that it is being held at a destination like Gulmarg,” he said.
Sogami said it would not be wrong to describe Gulmarg as the country’s winter games capital, adding that efforts are underway to elevate the venue to international standards so that global events can be hosted soon.
He said sports and tourism are being strengthened simultaneously, with several facilities upgraded this year. These include improvements in the operation of the Gulmarg gondola and installation of new equipment aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency.
“All these facilities will be useful for our players. We need to continuously update our infrastructure and make Gulmarg an international sports capital,” he said.
Referring to changing weather patterns, Sogami said seasonal uncertainties, particularly delayed or reduced snowfall, have become a reality and require new planning.
“The arrival of snow on time has become a question mark. We will have to move forward with new strategies and create facilities to ensure that games are held on schedule,” he said, adding that installation of snowmaking machines and other modern equipment would be necessary.
He said the government will work to develop not only winter sports infrastructure but also create a suitable environment for skiing and other disciplines.
Sogami said the administration plans to expand sporting activities across Jammu and Kashmir. He referred to a recent marathon held in Srinagar and said another national-level marathon is scheduled in March, which has seen participation from foreign athletes as well.
“Our youth have immense talent. We will create sports facilities in every district to nurture this talent and strengthen the link between youth and sports,” he added. (KNS)
