Diversity is our strength, not division: LG Sinha
Gulmarg, Feb 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said diversity was the strength of the country, not division.
Inaugurating the 6th edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, the LG welcomed and conveyed his best wishes to all participating athletes and team officials.
He said the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg had evolved from a simple sporting event into a true national festival.
ìKhelo India Winter Games revive the sporting spirit's ideals of peace, equality, and camaraderie. In our vibrant, diverse nation of myriad languages, cultures, and traditions, the Winter Games at Gulmarg is serving as a universal language and shared heritage.
Winter Games at Gulmarg mirror life's raw challenges, building the resilience that propels future triumphs. Falling, analyzing errors, rising improved - these are sports' true lessons, ones Skiers will live here,î LG Sinha said.
He said that the broader aim of Khelo India Winter Games was strengthening national unity.
The LG said that the mega winter sports event was a celebration of nation's sporting legacy, its unity, and the transformative power of sports that binds every citizen and athlete, igniting their drive and forging unbreakable character.
ìIntense rivalry yields shared conversations and lasting friendships, proving healthy competition and mutual respect coexist. Our people need this ethos now more than ever. As you race these Ski slopes, remember: diversity is our strength, not division. Khelo India reminds us our language may differ, but our goals and values unite us. When athletes from diverse states train together, compete fiercely, and cheer one another, barriers of language, culture, and region dissolve before the sporting spirit,î he said.
LG Sinha said that winter games pit skiers against nature itself, where excelling demands extraordinary prowess and over the coming days, we will witness that prowess, alongside technical mastery, the poise from years of practice, unyielding resolve, and superhuman endurance.
He urged the participating athletes to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and encouraged them to give their best throughout the tournament.
ìOn these ski slopes of Gulmarg, athletesí identity hinges solely on performance; every result reflects your skills, discipline, and grit, crafting new champions. In disciplines like alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering, athletes' rigorous training and unwavering dedication will shine through,î the LG said.
He also spoke on the transformation in the sporting sector across Jammu and Kashmir over the past few years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
LG Sinha said that the establishment of state-of-the-art sports infrastructure under the Prime Ministerís Development Package (PMDP) and 100 Khelo India Centres have redefined the sporting landscape.
He said that modern infrastructure, coupled with the talent and dedication of J&Kís youth and the proactive support of dedicated officials, has provided a massive impetus to the sector.
The LG said the true character reveals itself not just in victory, but in adversity and a real athlete remains humble in triumph and dignified in defeat.
ìOn February 26, at the closing ceremony of 6th Khelo India Winter Gamesí success won't be measured by medals alone, but by the spirit of unity, mutual respect, and relentless pursuit of excellence,î he said.
The four-day Khelo India Winter Games at Indiaís premier winter sports destination would witness the participation of around 1000 athletes and officials from various states and union territories in different disciplines.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma; Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly from Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmed Shah; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; Commandant, High Altitude Warfare School, Maj Gen Puneet Doval; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul; senior officials, representatives of Sports Authority of India and various sports organisations, prominent sports personalities, and sports enthusiasts in large numbers attended the inaugural ceremony.
