PM Narendra Modi Shares Heartfelt Wishes For Athletes Ahead Of Khelo India Winter Games

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Last Updated:January 23, 2025, 19:21 IST

The first part of the KIWG 2025 is being hosted by the Union Territory of Ladakh till January 27, while the second part will be hosted by Jammu and Kashmir from February 22 to 25.

Athletes at the opening ceremony of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games (X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared his excitement and joy over the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games taking place, and shared his best wishes for all the participating athletes.

On an icy morning, the KIWG 2025 got off to a rousing start at the iconic NDS Stadium on Thursday.

In a message during the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 here, Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to spread sporting activities across India and said how Ladakh and J&K have not only “elevated the culture of sports in our country, but also boosted tourism, showcasing the nation’s beauty and diversity."

“Our government attaches top priority to sports development in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Through 100 Khelo India Centres in Jammu & Kashmir and three in Ladakh, including a State Centre of Excellence in Leh for athletics, archery, and boxing, our efforts are shaping the region into a hub of sporting excellence," said PM Modi.

“KIWG 2025 will play a crucial role in taking our sporting excellence to the next level."

Best wishes to all the athletes participating in the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025! I am sure this tournament will encourage upcoming talent. May the games also be a celebration of sportsman spirit.@kheloindia pic.twitter.com/1bUx7SqKv8— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2025

Nineteen teams, comprising states, Union Territories, and institutional outfits, will compete over five days across two events – ice hockey and ice skating – marking the first part of KIWG 2025.

The first part of the KIWG 2025 is being hosted by the Union Territory of Ladakh till January 27.

The second part, featuring snow games like skiing, will be hosted by Jammu and Kashmir from February 22 to 25.

Haryana (62), hosts Ladakh (52), and Maharashtra (48) will compete in the Ladakh edition. Uttarakhand, which will host the National Games later this month, has the smallest team, comprising just one athlete.