National Winter Games begin in Gulmarg

With snow covering its tall pine trees, Gulmarg got down to playing host to the fourth National Winter Games, which were inaugurated on Wednesday.

The temperatures in Gulmarg, known as the 'Queen of Meadows', dipped further because of fresh snowfall and chilly winter winds blowing across the lofty tourist destination. Huge icicles from hotel rooftops and a two-and-a-half feet thick carpet of snow spread over the lofty meadow of flowers and the famous Gulmarg slopes, making the world-famous tourist resort the perfect setting for the Winter Games.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has earmarked Rupees 10 million for the Games, spread over two months, with the curtain coming down on it in March.

Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi declared the ice events of the Games open on Wednesday afternoon. Senior civil and army officers witnessed the opening day's proceedings.

Kalmadi was impressed by the Gulmarg's potential and infrastructure for winter sports.

"I am hopeful that in a couple of years it will be possible to hold the South Asia Federation (SAF) and Commonwealth Games here," he said, asking the state government to "make plans", and assuring that money would be no impediment.

"You have in Gulmarg all that is required for an international venue for winter games," Kalmadi said, and announced an "annual Gulmarg Cup that would attract international participation".

"We would involve two foreign experts to upgrade the facilities.

"Gulmarg is too beautiful a spot not to be a venue for international events. With the world's highest golf course and wonderful ski slopes being here, summer could merge into winter, making it a round the year venue for tourists and sports persons," he said.

Seven teams are participating in the four-day ice events. They include Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, ex-servicemen, Indian army and ITBP.

Jammu and Kashmir Director-General of Tourism Saleem Baig, in his welcome address, gave an overview of the efforts of the government to promote tourism and winter games in the state.

"Presently all the hotels and available tourist huts have full occupancy. Gulmarg is the icon of Kashmir tourism," he said.