The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 marked a significant milestone for Ladakh as it made its debut in hosting the event. The games kicked off at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium, featuring ice hockey and ice-skating events involving 15 states and two public institutions. The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig. (Dr) B.D. Mishra (Retd), graced the occasion as the chief guest. The Winter Games consist of two parts, with the second part scheduled to be held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, from February 21-25.
Special Message from Prime Minister
On this historic day for Ladakh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi sent a special message to the organizers of Khelo India Winter Games 2024. In his message, PM Modi highlighted how Khelo India is uniting the nation and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship. The Winter Games aim to nurture champions and position Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, as premier winter sports destinations globally.
Khelo India Centre of Excellence
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Sports Authority of India and the sports department of the Union Territory of Ladakh. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of the Khelo India Centre of Excellence in Ladakh, focusing on athletics, archery, and boxing. The initiative is seen as a significant boost for sportspersons in the region, providing them with world-class facilities.
Inaugural Day Celebrations
The inaugural day witnessed a lively atmosphere at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium, with traditional folk dances and musical performances by the local band, Dashugs. An exhibition ice-hockey match between UT-Ladakh and Indo-Tibetan Border Police added to the excitement. The first medals were also awarded in the under-17 short track skating categories for boys.
Medal Winners
- In the under-17 short track (300m) skating for boys, Eklavya Jagal of Uttar Pradesh secured the gold medal.
- The boys 17-plus short track skating gold went to Akash Aradhya from Karnataka.
Ice Hockey
Eight men’s teams and four women’s teams have commenced their campaigns in ice hockey. The teams are divided into groups, and the matches are set to unfold over the course of the Winter Games. ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) holds the top seed in both men and women’s sections.
Conclusion
The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 is the fourth edition of the annual event in the Khelo India calendar. Ladakh, making its debut as a host alongside Jammu & Kashmir, is showcasing its potential as a winter sports destination. The Games align with the Khelo India Mission, an initiative aimed at promoting various Olympic sports and nurturing talented sportspersons for national excellence.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where did the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 debut take place?
- A) Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
- B) Ladakh
- C) Tamil Nadu
- D) Uttar Pradesh
- Who was the chief guest at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium during the Winter Games inaugural ceremony?
- A) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
- B) Brig. (Dr) B.D. Mishra (Retd)
- C) Eklavya Jagal
- D) Akash Aradhya
- Which sports will be covered by the Khelo India Centre of Excellence in Ladakh?
- A) Ice hockey, ice-skating, and skiing
- B) Athletics, archery, and boxing
- C) Cricket, football, and badminton
- D) Swimming, gymnastics, and cycling
- Which musical band entertained the audience during the inaugural day celebrations?
- A) ITBP Band
- B) Dashugs
- C) Indo-Tibetan Border Police Band
- D) Ladakh Beats
- In which categories were the first medals awarded on the inaugural day?
- A) Skiing and snowboarding
- B) Archery and boxing
- C) Ice hockey and ice-skating
- D) Short track skating for boys