NEW DELHI: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday kicked off Khelo India Winter Games in style as the former first-class player played cricket in the snow at Tangmarg where he was given a warm traditional welcome.
Khelo India Winter Games will be held from February 10 to 14 in the picturesque town of Gulmarg and will see the participation of 1600 athletes in 11 disciplines from across the country.
'Nothing beats the thrill of hitting a six in the snow," tweeted Thakur.
"Over 1500 players have arrived here from 29 states and union territories of the country to take part in 11 sporting events over the period of next six days. This will be the biggest Winter Games event in the country so far," Thakur told reporters at Tangmarg, Srinagar-Gulmarg road, 36 kilometres from Srinagar.
"This snowfall is kicking off the Winter Games, not anywhere else but in a place which is known as heaven on earth. I am thankful to the locals for the warm welcome and hospitality," the minister said.
Thakur said Khelo India was a sports movement under which Youth Games, University Games and Winter Games are conducted throughout the year.
"Whole country waits to participate in the Khelo India Winter Games. Khelo India is a movement....we have Youth Games going on in Madhya Pradesh," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
